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Speaking at the Ai Everything conference in Abu Dhabi, Mistral AI CEO Arthur Mensch stated that independence from the United States and China is driving the firm's growth across the Gulf and Asia-Pacific. Mensch claimed the company's latest model outperforms Chinese models in cybersecurity, pointing to substantial market demand for alternative technology suppliers.
More than 10,000 autonomous taxis and delivery vans are expected to operate across the UAE next year, with procurement orders already placed. According to a senior UAE official speaking at the AI Everything Abu Dhabi summit, the rollout would position the UAE as the largest operator of autonomous taxis and vans outside China.
Countries across Asia and the Middle East are accelerating preparations to commercialize electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis, though no market has launched regular paid passenger operations as of early October 2026. China leads in unmanned operations with EHang logging over 3,000 flights, while Dubai has contracted US-based Joby Aviation for piloted services under a six-year exclusive deal. Licensing, safety approvals, and infrastructure remain the primary global hurdles to commercial launch.
The second edition of the Ai Everything summit opened at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi on October 6, 2026. The two-day event gathers over 400 technology companies, 150 startups, and 200 global investors to address real-world artificial intelligence deployment. The summit supports Abu Dhabi's strategic initiative to transition into an AI-native government by 2027.
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