SDAIA Lists ALLaM 7B Arabic Language Model on Hugging Face

SDAIA Lists ALLaM 7B Arabic Language Model on Hugging Face
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SDAIA Lists ALLaM 7B Arabic Language Model on Hugging Face

SDAIA Lists ALLaM 7B Arabic Language Model on Hugging Face

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has disclosed the listing of the generative Arabic Large Language Model (ALLaM) —7 billion parameters category— on the Hugging Face platform. This platform, a prominent global open-source repository for natural language processing (NLP) resources, now hosts the nationally developed model, making it accessible to a global audience of developers and researchers for utilization in artificial intelligence applications.
SDAIA asserts that ALLaM is positioned as one of the preeminent generative language models for the Arabic language worldwide, SPA reported.
This initiative aligns with the strategic objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, under the leadership of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and SDAIA Board of Directors Chairman, who supports SDAIA's mandate to strengthen the Kingdom's position as a global technology hub for artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
ALLaM is a large language model distinguished by its precision and efficacy in the comprehension and processing of Arabic. Its capabilities encompass text summarization, content generation, and other functionalities, positioning it as a tool for the development of smart applications. The model's training, conducted on an extensive and diverse Arabic language dataset, is cited as contributing to its performance across varied operational environments.
According to SDAIA, the availability of ALLaM on the Hugging Face platform is intended to facilitate access for the scientific and technical community, enabling the development of artificial intelligence-driven applications.
The listing on Hugging Face represents a phase in the model's ongoing development. ALLaM was initially integrated into IBM's Watsonx platform, which facilitated advanced Arabic language analysis and processing through artificial intelligence solutions. Subsequently, it was launched on Microsoft's Azure cloud platform, providing developers and enterprises access to advanced cloud computing environments.
During the LEAP25 conference, Qualcomm, in collaboration with the ALLaM development team, announced the model's availability on the Qualcomm AI Cloud. Additionally, the "ALLAM AI PC," a computer incorporating advanced artificial intelligence technologies designed to enhance user interaction with the Arabic language, was unveiled.



Meta Says Testing Subscription Tier for Instagram

(FILES) This picture taken in Istanbul on August 2, 2024, shows the logo of the social network Instagram on a smartphone. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP)
(FILES) This picture taken in Istanbul on August 2, 2024, shows the logo of the social network Instagram on a smartphone. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP)
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Meta Says Testing Subscription Tier for Instagram

(FILES) This picture taken in Istanbul on August 2, 2024, shows the logo of the social network Instagram on a smartphone. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP)
(FILES) This picture taken in Istanbul on August 2, 2024, shows the logo of the social network Instagram on a smartphone. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP)

Instagram is testing a pay tier that offers features including letting subscribers discretely view "Story" posts that normally vanish after 24 hours, Meta told AFP on Monday, confirming a report by news website TechCrunch.

Paying users will also get more control over which accounts are permitted to see photos or videos they share in Story posts on the popular social network.

The new tier is being tested in "a few countries worldwide," a spokesperson said, without providing further details.

According to TechCrunch, they include Japan, Mexico and the Philippines, with subscription prices hovering around $2 per month.

Meta launched ad-free, paid versions of Facebook and Instagram in the United Kingdom last year to comply with legislation there.

Social media platforms Snapchat and X have offered paid premium version for several years.

Snapchat's parent company Snap recently reported having more than 25 million subscribers to its premium tier and being on pace for $1 billion in annual revenue.

Content creators at Instagram already have the ability to charge fans for access to exclusive content.


Microsoft Plans $1 Billion Investment in Thailand

FILE - A Microsoft sign and logo are displayed at the company's headquarters April 4, 2025, in Redmond, Wash. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond, File)
FILE - A Microsoft sign and logo are displayed at the company's headquarters April 4, 2025, in Redmond, Wash. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond, File)
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Microsoft Plans $1 Billion Investment in Thailand

FILE - A Microsoft sign and logo are displayed at the company's headquarters April 4, 2025, in Redmond, Wash. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond, File)
FILE - A Microsoft sign and logo are displayed at the company's headquarters April 4, 2025, in Redmond, Wash. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond, File)

Microsoft plans to invest $1 billion in Thailand over the next two years in cloud services and AI infrastructure, ⁠the Thai government ⁠said in a statement.

The investment includes developing digital ⁠skills of the Thai workforce, the statement said.

The announcement follows a number of data center investments to support AI, as Southeast ⁠Asia's ⁠second-largest economy looks to speed up projects involving data centers, electronics, and power generation.


Taiwan Probes 11 Chinese Firms for Illegal Poaching of Tech Talent

The Taipei 101 skyscraper is seen lit up before the Earth Hour in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/ Chiang Ying-ying)
The Taipei 101 skyscraper is seen lit up before the Earth Hour in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/ Chiang Ying-ying)
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Taiwan Probes 11 Chinese Firms for Illegal Poaching of Tech Talent

The Taipei 101 skyscraper is seen lit up before the Earth Hour in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/ Chiang Ying-ying)
The Taipei 101 skyscraper is seen lit up before the Earth Hour in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/ Chiang Ying-ying)

Taiwan said on Monday 11 Chinese firms are being investigated for alleged illegal poaching of semiconductor and other high-tech talent, stepping up efforts to curb technology outflows amid rising geopolitical tensions with Beijing.

More than 185 agents searched 49 locations and questioned 90 people this month in a coordinated investigation targeting Chinese firms suspected of recruiting Taiwanese engineers in Taiwan without approval, Taiwan's Investigation Bureau said.

It said Chinese companies under investigation disguised their ownership by setting up operations in Taiwan ⁠under the names of ⁠foreign-funded shell firms, or by establishing offices without authorization, to recruit talent and conduct business illegally in Taiwan.

Beijing claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan ⁠strongly objects to China's sovereignty claims and says only the island's people can decide their future.

Taiwanese law prohibits Chinese investment in some parts of the semiconductor supply chain, including chip design, and requires reviews for other areas such as chip packaging, making it difficult for Chinese chip companies to operate on the island legally.

The companies under investigation include electronics manufacturer Huaqin Technology, mobile power device maker Anker Innovations, semiconductor and printed circuit ⁠board equipment ⁠producer Circuit Fabology Microelectronics Equipment, power semiconductor manufacturer Yangzhou Yangjie Electronic Technology Co Ltd , and chip designer SG Micro.

The companies did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

China's scramble for chip talent and expertise has intensified as Beijing pushes for self-reliance in advanced semiconductors, amid a deepening tech rivalry with the US. A special task force set up in late 2020 has handled more than 100 similar cases involving suspected illegal recruitment and business activities by Chinese companies, the bureau said.