Meet Latifa: Dubai’s virtual hostess at the Asia-Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum 2025

Dubai’s AI-powered daughter welcomes guests in multiple languages

Last updated:
Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor
1 MIN READ
Latifa, the virtual character represents Dubai’s vision for smart, inclusive, and tech-driven urban living.
Latifa, the virtual character represents Dubai’s vision for smart, inclusive, and tech-driven urban living.

Dubai: In her own unique way — and in every language of the world — Latifa, Dubai’s virtual daughter, has welcomed delegates attending the Asia-Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum 2025, being held from October 27 to 29 at Expo City Dubai.

The summit brings together city leaders and decision-makers to discuss the future of smart cities, sustainability, and quality of life — from Dubai, a city already at the forefront of shaping urban innovation.

In August, Latifa, the first AI-powered Emirati girl character, introduced her virtual Emirati family members: her father Mohammed, her mother Salama, and her brother Rashid.

Dressed in traditional Emirati attire with a modern touch, Latifa has been designed to be friendly and relatable, especially for children and families. Her character aims to promote conversations around technology, artificial intelligence, and digital services, reflecting Dubai’s growing role as a global leader in the digital era.

Khitam Al Amir
Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor
With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public.​ Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.
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