The UAE's aviation authority has signed an agreement which will explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country's air traffic management. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Searidge Technologies have signed the deal to cooperate in pursuing research and development activities. The collaboration is the first in the region and will bring together the technical expertise of Canada-based Searidge Technologies in digital airport solutions and the operational expertise of GCAA, a statement said. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA, confirmed that it is the UAE's strategy to explore new technologies and applications in the aviation industry. "We look forward to working with Searidge and believe this collaboration will help advance the use of technology in aviation to optimize safety and efficiency in the UAE and around the globe. The MoU agreement will promote, develop and reinforce administrative, technical and scientific cooperation," added Ahmed Al Jallaf, assistant director general Air Navigation Services, GCAA.