Tech

Elon Musk predicts work will be ‘optional,’ money ‘irrelevant’ due to AI

Tech billionaire Elon Musk predicted that within the next 10 to 20 years, advances in artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics will make human work “optional” and render currency “irrelevant” at a panel discussion.

Musk, who is the CEO of Tesla and Space X, offered the bold forecast on Monday while speaking at the US-Saudi Investment Forum, arguing that AI and robots like the developing Tesla Optimus will be the key to eliminating poverty worldwide.

“My prediction is that work will be optional,” Musk stated during the panel, which also included Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. The billionaire clarified that the transition would take “a lot of work to get to that point,” but suggested that eventually, working would be comparable to a hobby.

He explained the concept with a simple analogy, noting that future work would be “like playing sports or a video game or something like that.” He added: “If you want to work in the same way, like you can go to the store and just buy some vegetables, or you could grow vegetables in your backyard. It’s much harder to grow vegetables in your backyard, but some people still do it because they like growing vegetables.”

Musk, who has consistently championed the potential of his company’s Optimus robots to solve global poverty, further suggested that money itself would eventually be phased out.

“My guess is, if you go out long enough, assuming there’s a continued improvement in AI and robotics, which seems likely, then money will stop being relevant at some point in the future,” he said. The constraints would shift from capital to fundamental physics, such as “power, electricity and mass.”

The tech magnate pointed to the work of science fiction author Iain Banks, specifically his Culture series, as a reference for what a “probable positive AI future is like.” For Musk, the end result of these technological advancements is a world where currency becomes insignificant.

GULF NEWS

Tech

SIRI Getting Smarter

Google and Apple have confirmed a multi‑year partnership under which Apple will rely on Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence models and cloud infrastructure to power the next generation of its AI features — notably a revamped Siri voice assistant and Apple Intelligence system slated to roll out later in 2026.

The announcement marks a significant collaboration between two longtime rivals in consumer technology. According to the joint statement, Apple selected Google’s AI after extensive evaluation, citing Gemini’s performance as the most capable foundation for its future Apple Foundation Models.

Under the agreement, Apple will integrate Gemini models into its internal AI ecosystem — including the long‑anticipated Siri upgrade, which has faced delays in recent years amid challenges in expanding its capabilities. Apple says that despite using Google’s models for core intelligence, key AI features will continue to run on Apple devices and through the company’s Private Cloud Compute platform, maintaining the firm’s strong privacy safeguards.

Multiple outlets confirm that the deal will see Google’s technology underpinning Apple’s AI innovation, but it does not involve sending raw user queries back to Google’s systems. The Verge notes that while Gemini will assist models and features, Apple retains control over on‑device processing and user privacy.

Market reaction was swift: news of the partnership contributed to Alphabet briefly crossing a $4 trillion market valuation, as investor confidence in AI technologies continues to buoy major tech stocks. The collaboration is seen as a validation of Google’s rapid progress with Gemini models — a family of AI systems that have been widely deployed across Google services and rated highly against competitor benchmarks.

The deal also reflects a strategic shift for Apple’s AI roadmap, which has historically focused on in‑house foundation models and selective integrations with third‑party systems like ChatGPT. By choosing Google’s infrastructure, Apple aims to accelerate innovation and close the gap in features such as personalised voice interaction, context‑aware responses and deeper integration with applications.

Experts tell reporters this collaboration could influence the broader AI ecosystem — positioning Gemini as a core engine not just for Google’s own products but also across rival platforms. Meanwhile, consumers can expect to see the first fruits of the partnership as Apple begins rolling out AI‑enhanced Siri features throughout 2026, with updates likely highlighted at Apple’s annual developer conference.

Education

WiseTech Global and Elm Company collaborate to drive innovation and digital transformation in the logistics sector in Saudi Arabia

7 January 2027

Sydney, Australia – WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC), the world-leading developer of logistics execution and supply chain management solutions, and Elm Company, a leading provider of digital solutions for both public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia, have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in the logistics sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Under the MoU, both parties intend to explore and leverage modern technologies to drive innovation and deliver advanced technology solutions that enhance the efficiency and overall performance of the logistics sector, in line with Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation objectives.

The scope of the collaboration includes exploring digital solutions to improve operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience through technology solutions focused on simplicity, flexibility, and service quality.

The collaboration also aims to support digital transformation efforts in the logistics sector through collaboration and knowledge sharing between the two parties, fostering integration in the development of technological solutions to deliver sustainable added value.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the Saudi Supply Chain and Logistics Conference 2025 on 13 December, with Elm represented by Hesham S. AlNaser, Vice President – Logistics Products, and WiseTech Global represented by Vlad Bilanovsky, Chief Execution Officer.

Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Majid bin Saad Al-Arifi, Elm’s Spokesperson and Vice President of Marketing, said:

“Elm continues to play its role as a leading digital enabler for government entities and businesses in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, building strategic partnerships that drive the development of innovative digital solutions. This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting digital transformation and enhancing the efficiency of the logistics sector in line with future aspirations.”

Vlad Bilanovsky, Chief Execution Officer at WiseTech Global, said:

“Saudi Arabia represents significant opportunities for growth and development in the logistics sector. We are delighted to collaborate with Elm to explore innovative technology solutions that enhance operational performance, improve customer experience, and support the sector’s digital transformation journey.”

Photo: L-R Vlad Bilanovsky, WiseTech Global and Hesham Alnasser, ELM Company sign MoU on the sidelines of the Saudi Supply Chain and Logistics Conference.

Media contact information:
WiseTech Global: Claire Hosegood | +61 411 253 663 | claire.hosegood@wisetechglobal.com

Elm Company: To obtain a photo of the official spokesperson or for more information about Elm Company, please visit elm.com.sa or contact: media@elm.sa

About WiseTech Global

WiseTech Global is a leading developer and provider of software solutions to the logistics, global trade and supply chain industry globally. Our customers include over 17,000^[1] of the world’s logistics companies across 193 countries, including 47 of the top 50 global third-party logistics providers and 24 of the 25 largest global freight forwarders worldwide^[2].

Our mission is to change the world by creating breakthrough products that enable and empower those that own and operate the supply chains of the world. At WiseTech, we are relentless about innovation, adding over 5,700 product enhancements to our global CargoWise application suite in the last five years while bringing meaningful continual improvement to the world’s supply chains. Our breakthrough software solutions are renowned for their powerful productivity, extensive functionality, comprehensive integration, deep compliance capabilities, and truly global reach. For more information about WiseTech Global or CargoWise, please visit wisetechglobal.com and cargowise.com.

[1] Includes customers on CargoWise and non-CargoWise platforms whose customers may be counted with reference to installed sites

[2] Armstrong & Associates: Top 50 Global 3PLs & Top 25 Global Freight Forwarders ranked by 2023 gross logistics revenue/turnover and freight forwarding volumes – Updated 14 August 2024

REAL ESTATE

TECOM launches AED615m Innovation Hub Phase 4 at Dubai Internet City

TECOM Group PJSC, the creator of specialised business districts and vibrant communities in Dubai, has launched Phase 4 of Innovation Hub in Dubai Internet City to address rising demand for Grade-A office spaces from global multinational companies in vital, future-focused economic sectors.

With a gross leasable area (GLA) of 263,000 sq.ft., the AED615 million development represents the fourth phase of Innovation Hub and strengthens Dubai Internet City’s position as the leading technology hub in the region.

The launch of Innovation Hub Phase 4 supports TECOM Group’s strategic growth plan and raises its total investments in the Innovation Hub project in Dubai Internet City to reach AED 2 billion.

The announcement follows the success of Innovation Hub’s third phase development, which was fully leased ahead of its scheduled completion in 2027. The second phase of Innovation Hub is also complete and fully leased to Fortune 500 companies and digital economy leaders, while Phase 1 serves as the cornerstone for launching the project, which remains a leading destination for global technology businesses such as Google and Gartner.

The fourth phase of Innovation Hub will enhance TECOM Group’s portfolio of Grade-A commercial assets, strengthening its ability to serve new and existing technology customers upon completion in 2028 and amid rising demand for premium office spaces driven by leading national strategies.

Abdulla Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of TECOM Group, said, “The launch of Innovation Hub Phase 4 reflects TECOM Group’s ongoing commitment to supporting vital future-focused economic activity in the UAE and Dubai. The UAE’s and Dubai’s globally renowned pro-business framework, coupled with visionary strategies such as the UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy and Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, continue to highlight our nation’s ability to attract future-focused innovators and investors. This strategic development further enhances Dubai Internet City’s empowering role in the technology sector, ensuring it is well-positioned to serve the evolving needs of the digital economy.

“Our healthy liquidity and strategic roadmap for sustainable growth ensure we are well-placed to capitalise on favourable market dynamics, and we will continue to expand TECOM Group’s portfolio in high-growth sectors that promote innovation to deliver long-term value for our shareholders.”

The Group will utilise its existing resources to finance the development while ensuring it maintains a healthy leverage and liquidity position. The development follows TECOM Group’s strong nine-month financial performance in 2025, led by increased occupancy, higher rental rates, improved efficiencies, and continued portfolio expansion.

The Group reported revenues of more than AED2.1 billion, representing 20 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth during the first nine months of the year, with net profit exceeding AED1.1 billion (+18 percent YoY) compared to the same period in 2024.

WAM