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Damianou Meets With Leading G42 Companies In Abu Dhabi To Discuss AI Collaborations

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 31, 2024

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering Cyprus’s position in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI), Mr. Michael Damianou, a prominent figure in Cypriot business and technology sectors, recently met with leading companies under the G42 umbrella in Abu Dhabi. The discussions focused on exploring potential collaborations in AI, signalling a forward-thinking approach to integrating advanced technologies into the Cypriot economy.

G42, headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, is a renowned AI and cloud computing company known for its innovative solutions across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and smart cities. The company’s expertise in harnessing AI to drive efficiency and innovation has made it a global leader in the tech industry. The meeting between Damianou and G42 executives underscores the potential for significant technological advancements and economic benefits for Cyprus.

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The discussions covered a broad range of AI applications, reflecting the diverse capabilities of G42. Key areas of interest included AI-driven healthcare solutions, smart city initiatives, and advancements in financial technologies. These sectors are poised to benefit immensely from AI integration, offering improved services, enhanced efficiency, and new economic opportunities.

Healthcare emerged as a pivotal area for collaboration. G42’s AI solutions have the potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery in Cyprus by enabling predictive analytics, personalised medicine, and efficient resource management. Such advancements could lead to better patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and a more robust healthcare infrastructure.

Smart city technologies were another focal point of the discussions. G42’s expertise in developing AI-powered solutions for urban management can assist Cyprus in creating smarter, more sustainable cities. These solutions encompass traffic management, energy optimisation, and public safety, aiming to enhance the quality of life for citizens and promote sustainable urban development.

The financial sector also stands to gain from AI collaborations. By leveraging G42’s AI capabilities, Cypriot financial institutions can enhance their services through advanced data analytics, fraud detection, and personalised financial planning. This can lead to greater financial inclusion, security, and customer satisfaction.

Mr. Damianou expressed optimism about the potential collaborations, stating, “Engaging with G42 offers a tremendous opportunity for Cyprus to advance its AI capabilities and drive innovation across multiple sectors. The expertise and technological prowess of G42 align with our vision to transform Cyprus into a hub of technological excellence.”

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Industry Uproar Over Reduction in Electric Vehicle Subsidies

by News Editor

April 26, 2025

The recent move by the government to curtail subsidies for electric vehicles has stirred significant discontent among car importers in Cyprus. The Department of Road Transport (DRT) has slashed available grants under the Electric Vehicle Promotion Scheme as of April 23, leading to a rapid depletion of the subsidy pool and leaving many potential applicants disappointed.

Importers’ Concerns

According to the Cyprus Motor Vehicle Importers Association (CMVIA), the lack of transparency and failure to engage stakeholders prior to the decision have eroded trust in the government’s commitments. Importers now find themselves facing a precarious situation, with substantial stocks of electric vehicles and mounting promotional expenditures.

Public Interest and EU Compliance

Although the scheme aimed to support the transition to zero-emission transport until 2025, the DRT states that the curtailing of funds was necessary to comply with European funding terms, which warned against delays in vehicle deliveries. This decision has fueled market uncertainty despite the application portal experiencing dynamic changes.

Industry’s Ongoing Demand

The CMVIA refutes any claims suggesting waning interest in electric vehicles, underscoring the rapid exhaustion of available grants as proof of substantial demand. They highlight the importance of meeting Cyprus’s green transition targets, including putting 80,000 electric vehicles on roads by 2030.

While the total budget for subsidies saw an increase to €36.5 million in 2023, thanks to additional funding, ongoing difficulties in timely vehicle distribution have led to premature closures of applications. In response, CMVIA has called for urgent dialogue with the Minister of Transport to reassess the decision, fearing that it could endanger the future of e-mobility in Cyprus.