AlUla Awaits: A Beacon for Emerging Market Economies

A Transformative Gathering in the Heart of Saudi Arabia

In the enchanting landscape of AlUla, Saudi Arabia, a momentous event is on the horizon. The Kingdom is gearing up to host the second edition of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies (ACEME) on February 8-9, 2026. This prestigious event, organized in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund, promises to be a pivotal gathering for finance ministers, central bank governors, and policymakers from around the globe. 

As the world navigates rapid transformations within the global economy, the conference emerges as a vital platform for discussing how emerging market economies can bolster their resilience and seize new opportunities. The picturesque backdrop of AlUla sets the stage for meaningful dialogues that will undoubtedly shape the future of economic stability and growth. Participants will not only share insights but also explore innovative solutions to pressing challenges, making this conference a cornerstone for fostering international cooperation.

Strengthening Global Ties and Economic Resilience

His Excellency, Minister of Finance Mr. Mohammed Aljadaan, emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing global financial stability through this conference. He stated, “The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments.” This sentiment resonates deeply, as the event aims to shine a light on the pivotal role emerging market economies play in the global economic system. These economies are not merely participants; they are key contributors to global growth and stability.

Furthermore, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, echoed this sentiment by highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As technological advancements and geopolitical shifts reshape the economic landscape, the conference seeks to equip policymakers with the tools necessary to navigate these complexities. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, ACEME aims to enhance economic resilience and support inclusive growth across emerging markets. 

The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to global economic dialogue. It promises to be an inspiring hub for ideas, innovation, and international cooperation, paving the way for a more prosperous future for all.

Thrilling Triumph: Ethara Crowned Promoter of the Year for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

In a dazzling display of motorsport excellence, Ethara, the esteemed promoter of the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, stood tall at the annual F1 Promoter Awards in London, clinching the coveted title of Promoter of the Year for the 2025 racing season. This recognition is a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience for fans. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix not only captivated racing aficionados but also embodied the very essence of Formula 1's mission to curate the world's greatest live entertainment spectacle.

The significance of this award cannot be overstated. It is not merely a trophy; it represents the culmination of tireless efforts and creativity that Ethara poured into crafting a race weekend that truly resonated with attendees. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, praised the promoters, stating, “At the heart of this success were our 24 promoters, who worked tirelessly to deliver the ultimate race weekend experience for our fans.” Ethara's innovative approach and dedication shone through, particularly during the 2025 season, which featured a dramatic three-way F1 Drivers' World Championship showdown. Lando Norris seizing his first drivers' title added a thrilling narrative to an already vibrant atmosphere.

A Record-Breaking Spectacle

The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix broke attendance records, drawing an astounding 339,000 fans over four exhilarating days. With 203,000 spectators flocking to Yas Marina Circuit and an additional 136,000 revelers enjoying the Emirates NBD After-Race Concerts and Yasalam Official After-Parties, this event transformed Abu Dhabi into a pulsating hub of excitement and entertainment. Ethara expanded access for fans, offering two public pitlane walks, new FAB Track Walks, and a festive Podium Party that invited fans to celebrate right on the track. These initiatives created iconic moments that will linger in the memories of attendees long after the engines have cooled.

Furthermore, the accolades for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix extend beyond the Promoter of the Year title. The event also received the 2024 Best Event Spectacle award, celebrating its outstanding off-track entertainment offerings. These consecutive honors highlight the grand prix’s unwavering ability to evolve and adapt to global entertainment standards and audience expectations, ensuring that it remains a premier destination for motorsport fans around the world.

As we look forward to the 18th edition of the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, scheduled for December 3-6, 2026, excitement continues to build. Ethara’s commitment to excellence promises another unforgettable finale to the FIA Formula One World Championship season, further solidifying Abu Dhabi's status as the region's premier entertainment destination.

Serving Up Excitement: Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Sees Record Attendance in 2026

A Grand Opening Weekend

The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, kicked off with a bang, setting the stage for an exhilarating week of tennis. This year’s tournament marks the fourth edition of the WTA 500 event, and it has already made history with record attendance over its opening weekend. Families and tennis enthusiasts flocked to the venue, eager to witness some of the world’s best female players battle it out on the court.

The excitement was palpable on ‘Family Day’, where complimentary tickets drew in crowds of all ages. As laughter and cheers filled the air, the atmosphere transformed into a vibrant celebration of sport and community. Parents watched in delight as their children engaged in various fun activities, perfectly blending the thrill of tennis with family-friendly entertainment. With Filipina sensation Alexandra Eala set to take the court later that evening against Zeynep Sonmez, anticipation was high for yet another electric day in the UAE capital.

Star Players and Community Engagement

As the tournament unfolds, the spotlight shines not only on the star-studded lineup of players but also on the inclusive community programming that enhances the event experience. Tournament Director Nigel Gupta expressed his excitement, stating, “We couldn’t be happier with the response from fans over the opening weekend, which has seen record attendance.” The enthusiasm surrounding this year’s event is undeniable, especially with fan favorite Alex Eala in action. Her presence alone promises to draw massive crowds, ensuring that the atmosphere remains charged and exhilarating.

Beyond the thrilling matches, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open also embraces community initiatives, including the Road to MADO youth pathway finals and the tournament’s inaugural wheelchair tennis invitational presented by the WTA Foundation. These programming elements not only enrich the tournament experience but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and the promotion of tennis at all levels. As the event continues until 7 February 2026, fans can look forward to more captivating matches, dynamic performances, and a celebration of community spirit that defines the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.

Revving Up Partnerships: Hankook Tire and Al Ain FC Join Forces

In a remarkable display of collaboration, Hankook Tire & Technology has forged a strategic partnership with Al Ain FC, a football club renowned for its illustrious history in the UAE. On January 29, at the iconic Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE, representatives from Hankook Tire, led by Chairman Hyunbum Cho, and Al Dobowi Tyre Company, represented by Chairman Mr. Surender Singh Kandhari, officially signed the agreement that establishes Hankook Tire as the official partner of Al Ain FC for the next three seasons, beginning January 2026. This partnership not only highlights Hankook's ambition to enhance its brand presence globally but also underscores Al Ain FC’s status as a leading club in the region.

Founded in 1968, Al Ain FC boasts an impressive record, including 14 UAE League titles and two AFC Champions League titles. Currently perched at the top of the 2024/2025 season standings, the club enjoys immense recognition and loyalty from fans throughout the Middle East. With this partnership, Hankook Tire is set to elevate its global brand image by engaging with Al Ain FC's extensive fan base, leveraging marketing platforms like LED advertising in the stadium, and creating unique experiences through initiatives such as the 'VIP Hospitality Program' and 'Ainawi Membership' season card program. 

Driving Premium Value in the Middle East

The collaboration between Hankook and Al Ain FC signifies more than just a marketing strategy; it represents a commitment to delivering premium value to consumers in the Middle East. Jong Woo Kim, Vice President of Hankook Tire & Technology’s Middle East & Africa Regional HQ, expressed enthusiasm about enhancing communication with local customers. He emphasized the importance of expanding brand touchpoints through this partnership with Al Ain FC, a club that epitomizes the spirit of UAE football. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Hankook's global technical leadership, promising to share its premium offerings with a wider audience in the region.

Moreover, Al Dobowi Group, the official distributor of Hankook in the UAE since 1978, is poised to strengthen consumer engagement through this partnership. Chairman Mr. Surender Singh Kandhari stated, “Al Ain FC is a symbol of success, and we are honoured to join this journey.” As both brands stand for performance and long-term commitment, this partnership is expected to create synergies that will benefit all stakeholders involved. Hankook's continuous investment in premium products, such as the 'Ventus evo' tire series, and Al Dobowi's state-of-the-art service setup will ensure an elevated experience for consumers throughout the region.

The partnership between Hankook Tire and Al Ain FC marks a significant milestone in the world of sports sponsorship. It not only highlights the commitment of both companies to excellence but also paves the way for innovative consumer experiences in the Middle East. As the partnership unfolds, fans and consumers alike can look forward to an exciting journey ahead, filled with engaging activities and premium offerings that resonate with the spirit of football and performance.

Unveiling the Future: K2 Think V2 - A Leap in AI Reasoning

In a groundbreaking collaboration between G42, Cerebras Systems, and the Institute of Foundation Models at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the K2 Think V2 has emerged as a pivotal advancement in the realm of artificial intelligence. This state-of-the-art reasoning system, boasting an impressive 70 billion parameters, is not just another model; it represents the culmination of innovative research and development aimed at enhancing the UAE's technological sovereignty. 

The beauty of K2 Think V2 lies in its architectural evolution. By upgrading to the K2-V2 base model, this system achieves unprecedented levels of performance and independence. Unlike its predecessors, which were merely layered on top of existing frameworks, K2 Think V2 integrates reasoning capabilities directly into its foundation. This transition signifies a monumental shift towards a more transparent and powerful AI, making it an invaluable tool for tackling complex problems across various domains such as mathematics, science, and logic.

A New Paradigm of Open-Source AI

K2 Think V2 sets itself apart from previous models by offering an end-to-end open-source experience. Each phase of the system—from data curation and pre-training to reasoning alignment and evaluation—is accessible and inspectable. This comprehensive transparency not only fosters scientific credibility but also bolsters national AI sovereignty, an essential aspect for the UAE as it continues to position itself as a global leader in AI technology.

Transitioning from a traditional reasoning model to one that is fully integrated marks a significant step forward. K2 Think V2's long-context capabilities allow it to engage in sustained, multi-step reasoning, effectively processing larger bodies of information. This functionality enhances its ability to deliver superior results on complex reasoning benchmarks, including AIME2025 and GPQA-Diamond, establishing it as a formidable player in the field of open-source AI systems.

Key Features That Make K2 Think V2 Stand Out

At the heart of K2 Think V2 is the K2-V2 foundation model, meticulously designed to support advanced reasoning and alignment. This model's architecture elevates the performance ceiling, allowing for intricate problem-solving that spans multiple disciplines. The expanded context length is another remarkable feature, enabling deeper, more nuanced thought processes that can tackle extensive datasets.

Moreover, the system operates on a truly independent data pipeline, relying solely on IFM-curated datasets. This ensures that all training data is fair and trustworthy, devoid of contamination from downstream benchmarks. Consequently, users can expect reliable evaluations and authentic results. With the promise of 360-degree transparency—from pre-training data to post-training evaluations—K2 Think V2 invites users to inspect, reuse, and extend its components freely.

K2 Think V2 emerges not just as an advanced reasoning system but as a beacon of innovation for the UAE and beyond. As the world continues to embrace AI technology, K2 Think V2 stands ready to lead the charge, demonstrating the immense potential of open-source platforms in shaping the future of intelligent systems. For those eager to explore this cutting-edge technology, further details can be found on the [Institute of Foundation Models' official platform](https://mbzuai.ac.ae/), and users can access the system through its dedicated web app and mobile applications.

Thunderous Triumphs: The 2026 Royal Rumble Recap

The 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia marked a pivotal moment in wrestling history, captivating fans around the globe with its electrifying matches and unforgettable moments. In an arena brimming with anticipation, Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan emerged victorious in their respective Royal Rumble Matches, securing their spots in the main event at WrestleMania. Their triumphs not only solidified their legacies but also set the stage for an exhilarating road to WrestleMania.

Reigns and Morgan: Champions of Destiny

In an exhilarating Men's Royal Rumble Match, Roman Reigns showcased his unmatched prowess and determination. From the moment the bell rang, he dominated the ring, eliminating his opponents with precision and power. Each elimination intensified the crowd's enthusiasm, as fans rallied behind the "Tribal Chief." Ultimately, he outlasted all competitors, earning a coveted title shot against the Undisputed WWE Champion. Meanwhile, Liv Morgan's performance in the Women's Royal Rumble was nothing short of spectacular. With her resilience and agility, she fought through fierce competition, ultimately securing her victory and a chance to shine on the grandest stage of them all.

Notably, the night wasn't solely defined by these victories. The Undisputed WWE Championship Match further captivated the audience as Drew McIntyre successfully defended his title against Sami Zayn. The match was a thrilling contest filled with near falls and dramatic moments. McIntyre's experience proved crucial, allowing him to retain his championship status and keep his reign alive. 

A New Era Dawns: Legends Retire

As the dust settled from the Royal Rumble, another significant event unfolded: Gunther's stunning victory over AJ Styles. In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats, Gunther delivered a decisive blow that not only secured his win but also forced the legendary AJ Styles to retire. This unexpected turn of events left a profound impact on the WWE landscape, signaling a new era of competition. With Gunther's emergence as a top contender, the future of the division appears brighter than ever.

The 2026 Royal Rumble was more than just a night of matches; it was a celebration of talent, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. As Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan prepare for their main event title matches at WrestleMania, the excitement builds. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling saga, where champions will rise, legends will fall, and history will be written once more.