Harnessing AI for more Arabic content will be ‘freeing creativity’

Named after the UAE’s highest peak, Jais was developed by Core42 in collaboration with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and Cerebras Systems. (Core 42/YouTube)
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Updated 26 January 2024
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Harnessing AI for more Arabic content will be ‘freeing creativity’

  • Advertising agency TBWA\RAAD last year partnered with Core42, parent company of Arabic large-language model Jais
  • Developing Jais’ potential in media and marketing industries will not replace humans, says advertising executive

DUBAI: Advertising agency TBWA\RAAD partnered with Core42 last year to harness the potential of Arabic large-language model Jais in the creative sector, a move which could also see greater online content created in the language spoken by millions worldwide.

Named after the UAE’s highest peak, Jais was developed by Core42 in collaboration with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and Cerebras Systems.

Jais is bilingual, but “it is purpose-built for Arabic,” said Ihsan Anabtawi, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer at Core42.

Although there are over 400 million Arabic speakers around the world, only 1 percent of online content is in Arabic, so “there’s definitely a need to serve the Arabic language but also do it in a bilingual way in order to expand the reach,” Anabtawi told Arab News.

Jais’ capabilities are broad with potential for multiple applications across industries, but it currently specializes in content generation, summarization and translation, he explained.

The first version of the model was trained on 13 billion parameters with the most recent version, introduced in November, being trained on 30 billion.

There was an “element of cultural preservation and amplification” with regard to Jais’ Arabic capabilities, but the company also wanted to broaden its reach to a diverse audience that accurately reflects the demographics of Jais’ birthplace, the UAE, said Anabtawi.

Arabic has multiple nuances with several dialects across the Middle East and North Africa region. Purposefully building Jais for Arabic allowed the company to have “a differentiated approach in terms of quality and content” while its bilingual nature enables the model to have varied applications for both people and businesses.  

Anabtawi believes Jais is equally fluent in both English and Arabic. The latest model showed a 40 to 60 percent increase in Arabic and a 233 percent increase in English when it comes to longer and more detailed answers. In addition, there was a 53 percent improvement in summarization in Arabic and 85 percent in English.

For TBWA, “innovation has been a big part of our narrative for the last several years, and we had been looking at generative AI as part of our creative toolset for quite some time,” said Noah Khan, regional president of Digital & Innovation, CEE, Middle East and Africa at TBWA.

He told Arab News that the partnership with Core42 was “incredibly exciting” for two reasons.

First, the agency was proud of its roots and believes in partnerships, particularly with homegrown companies, and second, it gives TBWA an opportunity to celebrate the Arabic language, which has been a priority for the agency and its chairman Ramzi Raad since its establishment.

The agency has worked with other generative AI platforms in the past but the work “is currently confined to internal use only due to legal and copyright concerns,” Khan said.

He describes the relationship between the two companies as a “two-way partnership.”

Jais will allow the agency to “superpower our creative capabilities, especially with Arabic” as well as enable it to “use these models to train the next generation of Arabic specialists,” Khan explained.

The latter means that the agency will play a role in training and developing Jais’ capabilities to shape it into a more useful tool for the media and creative industries.

He said: “The focus is to start growing this as part of our capabilities as we evolve and transform ourselves; we see this as a means to augmenting ourselves to be bigger, better, and faster.”

Khan and Anabtawi both liken Jais and other generative AI model technologies to the mobile phone or computer where humans learned to work with technology.

While there has been exponential growth and interest in large-language models, spurred on by ChatGPT, companies are still exploring how they can implement these technologies in a responsible way, Anabtawi said.

Individuals can use these models in their current form in multiple ways, but when “applying it to the business context, there’s a lot more that can be done,” he added.

The challenge is multifaceted as companies leverage AI to solve problems across industries, but it also raises the question of the future of the workforce.

Anabtawi said: “How do you prepare the next generation of workers? What jobs does the market need in the future and how do we reskill and upskill?”

Khan said: “There have always been concerns that the technology is going to replace the people, but what normally happens is the technology gives people the ability to do more.

“The speed at which you’re able to adapt and use that technology to the best of your abilities then gets you to stand out from everybody else.”

Anabtawi echoed the sentiment adding that it was not technology that replaced human talent, it was another human who knew how to use that technology.

At TBWA, for example, AI is not going to replace Arabic copywriters, said Khan.

He added: “There are tasks that we could offset to a generative machine that then frees up the time of individuals to focus on other areas that they normally (not) be able to do … so we see this as a way of freeing creativity.”

 

 


TikTok ban: Last-minute reprieve or rule of law?

Updated 17 January 2025
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TikTok ban: Last-minute reprieve or rule of law?

  • As the Jan. 19 deadline looms for TikTok’s potential ban in the US, rumors are rife speculating on the future of the video app

DUBAI/LONDON: With just days left until the official ban of Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok is set to take effect in the US, speculation is mounting over what happens next — and whether there could still be a last-minute twist.

The short answer: No one knows for certain.

In March 2024, the US House of Representatives passed a bill that, if signed into law, would force ByteDance, the China-based owner of TikTok, to sell the video-sharing app. The Senate passed the bill, and President Joe Biden signed it, ordering ByteDance to sell TikTok to an American company or face a ban in the US by Jan. 19.

At the time, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said that such a law “will take billions of dollars out of the pockets of creators and small businesses” and put more than 30,000 American jobs at risk.

Neither he nor the company were willing to give up without a fight. In May 2024, TikTok and ByteDance sued the US federal government challenging the law, alleging that it was unconstitutional.

In December, a federal appeals court ruled the TikTok law was constitutional. A month later, on Jan. 10, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a pivotal case brought by TikTok and its users challenging the law on the basis of US users’ First Amendment rights.

On Friday, the Supreme Court upheld the TikTok ban after days of speculation, during which it refrained from making public comments on the case, leaving a sliver of hope for a last-minute reprieve. With the decision now confirmed, TikTok’s options have significantly narrowed.

In its ruling, the court stated: “We conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners’ First Amendment rights. The judgment of the United States court of appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is affirmed.”

This decision means TikTok will no longer be available for download from app stores starting Jan. 19.

“There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary,” the ruling reads.

The outcome seemed increasingly likely during the hearings, with Justice Elena Kagan saying: “The law is only targeted at this foreign corporation that doesn't have First Amendment rights. Whatever effect it has, it has.”

Justice Amy Coney Barrett added: “The law doesn’t say TikTok has to shut down. It says ByteDance has to divest.”

Amid the legal back and forth, TikTok’s knight in shining armor might just be President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office on Jan. 20 — one day after the purported ban.

Despite trying to ban the app during his first term over national security concerns, he joined TikTok during his 2024 presidential campaign, during which he pledged to “save TikTok.” He also lauded the platform for helping him win more youth votes.

When asked about his policies on social media regulation, particularly the impending ban of TikTok, Karoline Leavitt, Trump-Vance Transition Team spokeswoman, told Arab News: “The American people re-elected President Trump by a resounding margin, giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail. He will deliver.”

Just last month, Trump urged the Supreme Court to pause the ban.

The brief submitted to the court says Trump “alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform while addressing the national security concerns expressed by the Government.”

Moreover, earlier this week, reports emerged that TikTok CEO Chew has been invited to Trump’s inauguration and offered a “position of honor,” suggesting a willingness to engage with the company.

And Mike Waltz, Trump’s incoming national security adviser, told FOX News that the new administration would “find a way to preserve (TikTok) but protect people’s data.”

Any intervention by Trump, however, would likely take the form of an executive order temporarily pausing the ban, contingent on TikTok demonstrating progress toward separating from ByteDance. Even then, such an order could face legal challenges, and the law only allows a limited delay of 60 to 90 days to give extra time for negotiations.

Outgoing President Biden, who will leave office on Jan. 19, will not enforce a ban on TikTok, a US official said Thursday, leaving its fate in the hands of Trump.

Rumors of a potential sale have intensified in recent days including speculation of interest from high-profile buyers, such as Elon Musk, but ByteDance dismissed these reports as “pure fiction.”

The company has consistently rejected the possibility of a sale, saying it “is simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally.”

As the Jan. 19 deadline approaches, the situation remains shrouded in uncertainty, even after Friday’s ruling.

For now, TikTok’s chances of remaining accessible in the US appear practically null, as the case is steeped in complex issues of politics, national security, economic interests, and digital rights.

The law underpinning the ban targets a wide network of US-based partners that facilitate TikTok’s operations, effectively making common workarounds, such as using virtual private networks or changing a phone’s regional settings, either ineffective or impractical, according to experts.

At best, users might gain limited access to a web-based version of the app, which lacks many of its features. However, even that option may not function reliably, experts warned.

The most likely enforcement mechanism would involve compelling app stores like Google Play and Apple’s App Store to remove TikTok from their platforms in the US. Lawmakers have already instructed tech companies to prepare for this scenario if the ban is enacted.

If the app is banned, TikTok reportedly plans to display a pop-up message for users attempting to access the platform, directing them to a website with information about the ban, according to a Reuters report citing sources close to the matter.

For now, TikTok’s operations continue as usual, with the company having reassured employees that their jobs are secure regardless of the Supreme Court’s decision. However, morale within the company is said to be low, despite these reassurances.

What is certain is that TikTok’s leadership has been “planning for various scenarios.” With Friday’s decision now final and the Jan. 19 ban imminent, the company’s next steps will likely take one of two paths: intervention by Trump or divestment to a non-Chinese entity.

Meanwhile, users and critics alike wait in anticipation, seeking clarity on the far-reaching consequences of the ban — potentially rippling as far as the Middle East — and whether any last-minute developments might offer a reprieve for the platform and its millions of US users.


Lebanese journalist appointed presidency spokesperson

Updated 17 January 2025
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Lebanese journalist appointed presidency spokesperson

  • Charafeddine is one of two women appointed to the president’s team

DUBAI: Lebanese journalist Najat Charafeddine has been appointed as spokesperson for the presidency, the first woman to hold such a position.

Charafeddine is one of two women appointed to the president’s team, an unprecedented move announced a week after the election of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

Diplomat Jeanne Mrad, who serves at Lebanon’s permanent mission to the United Nations, has been appointed as an adviser for diplomatic affairs at the presidency.

The appointments were hailed by the Lebanese media as a step toward empowering women on the political scene.

Charafeddine, a native of the southern Lebanese town of Taybeh in the Marjeyoun district, holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies from the Lebanese University, and lectured for three years at Antonine University.

She started her career at Future TV, where she worked for 20 years between 1993 and 2013. She first appeared to the public as a news anchor before hosting the programs “Why Taif?” and “Transit.”

Her success in Lebanon paved the way for international reporting. She covered the wars in Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003) as a correspondent for Future TV. Charafeddine also reported on several international conferences and participated in political and media forums in Washington, London, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, and other countries.

In 2015, Charafeddine moved to Al-Araby TV, where she hosted programs such as “Arab Neighbors” and “Special Dialogue” until 2018. Later, she continued her career in radio, presenting the political program “Sunday Encounter” on Voice of All Lebanon radio.

In addition to her broadcast work, Sharafeddine has written articles for publications such as As-Safir, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, and Al-Shiraa magazine.

She is the wife of former Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni, who was chosen by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in the government of Hassan Diab.


Abdel Latif El-Menawy appointed CEO of News and Journalism at United Media Services

Updated 17 January 2025
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Abdel Latif El-Menawy appointed CEO of News and Journalism at United Media Services

DUBAI: United Media Services (UMS) has appointed acclaimed Egyptian journalist, Abdel Latif El-Menawy, as the CEO of News and Journalism.

The decision aligns with the company’s development strategy, spearheaded by Chairman Tarek Nour, which aims to enhance the performance of news channels, newspapers, and digital platforms, UMS said in a statement.

El-Menawy is a prominent journalist and writer with a daily column in Al-Masry Al-Youm and articles in Arab News. He also contributes to other regional and international publications. He served as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Al-Masry Al-Youm until October 2023, when he decided to dedicate more time to writing and research.

Previously, El-Menawy was Head of the News Sector at Egyptian Television and the founding director of Al-Ghad News Channel. He also served as Managing Editor at Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper.

In addition to his journalistic work, El-Menawy has hosted current affairs television programs and is a member of the judging panel for the International Emmy Awards. He also serves on the board of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in New York.

El-Menawy is the author of several books, including the notable "18 Days... The Final Days of Mubarak's Rule" and his most recent work, "The Copts: An Investigation of the Roots of the Conflict Between Muslims and Copts in Egypt". His other works, primarily in Arabic, explore topics such as political Islam, the Copts in Egypt, and various political and social issues.

Established in May 2016, UMS owns several TV channels and networks, including general channels dmc – ON, CBC, Al-Hayat, specialized sports channels ON Time, and news channels Al Qahera News – Extra News.


Journalists berate Blinken over Gaza policy at his final press conference

Security personnel forcibly pick up Sam Husseini and carry him out of the room as he heckles Secretary Blinken.(@ryangrim)
Updated 16 January 2025
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Journalists berate Blinken over Gaza policy at his final press conference

  • “Criminal! You belong in The Hague,” shouted Sam Husseini, an independent journalist and longtime critic of Washington’s approach to the world

WASHINGTON: Several journalists who are outspoken critics of US support for Israel loudly lambasted US Secretary of State Antony Blinken over the war in Gaza on Thursday, repeatedly interrupting his final press conference as he sought to defend his handling of the 15-month-old conflict.
Israel’s assault on Gaza is likely to define the foreign policy legacy of the outgoing Biden administration, despite a deal reached with Palestinian militant group Hamas on Wednesday on a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages.

“Criminal! Why aren’t you in The Hague,” shouted Sam Husseini, an independent journalist and longtime critic of Washington’s approach to the world. The Hague is where the International Criminal Court is located.
The unusually confrontational scene in the State Department briefing room only ended when security personnel forcibly picked up Husseini and carried him out of the room as he continued to heckle Blinken.
Blinken has faced criticism for providing Israel with weapons and diplomatic support since the latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
Israel’s subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while also drawing accusations of genocide in a World Court case brought by South Africa and of war crimes and crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the allegations. The assault has displaced nearly Gaza’s entire 2.3 million population and drawn the concern of the world’s main hunger monitor.
“Why did you keep the bombs flowing when we had a deal in May?” Max Blumenthal, editor of the Grayzone, an outlet that strongly criticizes many aspects of US foreign policy, called out to Blinken, before he was escorted out.
Blinken, who leaves office on Monday when the administration of President-elect Donald Trump takes over, calmly asked for quiet while he delivered his remarks, and later took questions from reporters.
He has been frequently heckled at appearances in Washington since the Gaza conflict began. Demonstrators camped outside his Virginia home for months and repeatedly threw red paint — resembling blood — on cars carrying Blinken and his family.
Asked during the press conference if he would change anything about his dealings with Israel, Blinken said the Israeli government had carried out policies that “were basically supported by an overwhelming majority of Israelis after the trauma of October 7” and said that had to be factored in to the US response.
The Biden administration had been unable to reach final determinations on individual incidents that could constitute violations of international law because Hamas embedded itself within the civilian population, he said.
“I’d also point out that in Israel itself, there are hundreds of cases that are being investigated,” Blinken said. “They have a process, they have procedures, they have rule of law... That’s the hallmark of any democracy.”


Contest organizers fear for safety of Miss France over Charlie Hebdo controversy

Updated 16 January 2025
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Contest organizers fear for safety of Miss France over Charlie Hebdo controversy

DUBAI: Miss France 2025, Angelique Angarni-Filopon, has come under fire for her apparent lack of solidarity with the French magazine Charlie Hebdo.

On Jan. 7, 2015, two gunmen claiming allegiance to Al-Qaeda stormed the offices of the satirical weekly, killing 12 people.

The attack, which was in retaliation to the magazine’s caricature of the Prophet Muhammad, sparked worldwide debate about the limits of free speech. It resulted in the “Je Suis Charlie” (“I Am Charlie”) slogan being used by supporters of the magazine around the world as a call for the right to freedom of expression.

In a recent radio interview, Angarni-Filopon was asked if she was “Charlie” but she declined to comment.

Her lack of a response sparked a furor online. Charlie Hebdo published a cartoon of three Islamic leaders holding up a sign that read “Je Suis Miss France” (“I Am Miss France”) and the caption “Miss France n’est pas Charlie” (“Miss France is not Charlie”).

Frederic Gilbert, chairman of Societe Miss France, said the controversy was of “unprecedented violence” and that he was “worried for the safety of Miss France.”

Winners were required to withhold any political or religious opinions during the year they held the title and Angarni-Filopon was merely following the pageant’s rules, he said.

Since winning the competition the beauty queen has faced online hate and harassment with social media users, particularly on TikTok, mocking her age and appearance.

In an interview with Marie Claire, Angarni-Filopon said: “Cyberbullying is punishable by law … so be careful what you put on the internet.

“Remember, we don’t do to people what we wouldn’t like done to us.”