Yango Group Discusses Its Vision for Reshaping Today’s Communication

In an exclusive interview with Tahawultech, Rami Abu Arja, Senior Innovation Marketing Manager at Yasmina, Yango Middle East, shared insights with Anita Joseph about how their groundbreaking AI innovation, Yasmina, is set to revolutionize modern communication.

Yasmina, designed with the unique cultural landscape of the Middle East in mind, represents a significant leap forward in AI technology. The specific AI innovations behind Yasmina Midi and Yasmina Mini are rooted in a large language model (LLM) that has been meticulously developed to resonate with the Arabic-speaking world. This model is built upon a curated dataset of Arabic web pages and has been further fine-tuned in collaboration with a diverse group of Arabic-speaking experts. These experts were selected for their varied dialects, pronunciation, and vocabulary, which has enabled Yasmina to adapt to local linguistic preferences and deliver conversations that are not only authentic but also culturally relevant.

The development process of Yasmina involved extensive participation from individuals across key locations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. These contributions, encompassing a wide range of voices in terms of age and gender, allowed Yasmina to effectively recognize and respond to the subtle nuances of the Arabic language, ensuring that interactions with users are both natural and contextually appropriate.

Yasmina distinguishes itself from other AI companions on the market by its deep understanding and integration of regional and cultural specifics. Unlike generic AI models, Yasmina is tailored to address the cultural and social nuances of Middle Eastern users, offering features such as the ability to recite surahs from the Holy Quran, tell the date according to the Hijri calendar, and engage in conversations that are sensitive to local customs and values. Its specialized knowledge base, coupled with advanced voice recognition technology, gives Yasmina a profound comprehension of regional culture and preferences.

Furthermore, Yasmina is a truly human-like companion, capable of engaging in consistent and enjoyable conversations that reflect the warmth and humor of everyday interactions. With support for both English and Khaleeji Arabic, users can easily switch between languages, enhancing the personalization and convenience of their experience.

The Yasmina Midi and Yasmina Mini speakers, which have been recently launched, are available for purchase through several retail and online outlets across the UAE, including Virgin Megastore, Jumbo Electronics, Sharaf DG, and noon.com. Priced at AED 449 for the Yasmina Midi and AED 279 for the Yasmina Mini, these speakers are designed to offer a rich audio experience that complements the AI’s conversational abilities. To fully access Yasmina’s capabilities, including music streaming and personalized recommendations, users can subscribe to Yango Play.

Yango’s commitment to creating products tailored to local consumers is driven by a broader strategy that aligns with the company’s mission to deliver technology that resonates with and enhances the lives of its users. According to a market survey commissioned by Yango, 92% of respondents in the UAE expressed a preference for a smart or AI assistant designed specifically for the Middle East. This insight has guided the development of Yasmina, ensuring that it includes features that cater to the specific needs and preferences of the local community. By embedding cultural awareness and relevance into its design, Yasmina not only serves as a technological tool but also as a cultural companion that connects users with their heritage and traditions.

Looking ahead, Yasmina is poised to evolve further, enhancing the lives of users in the Middle East by continually refining its capabilities based on user feedback. Yango has established a beta testing community to gather insights and ensure that Yasmina meets the unique needs of the region. This approach reflects Yango’s belief in creating hyperlocal AI that is both innovative and deeply personal.

Yasmina’s success also sets a precedent for the future of AI technology in the Middle East, highlighting the importance of developing AI products that are attuned to local cultures and values. As AI assistants evolve, they are expected to move beyond basic functionalities to become trusted companions that seamlessly integrate into daily life. Yasmina, with its deep cultural sensitivity and advanced technological capabilities, is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping this landscape.

Yango’s long-term strategy for the UAE and the broader Middle East focuses on fostering growth and innovation in ways that are meaningful to the local community. By understanding and addressing regional needs, Yango aims to build a future where technology enhances human experiences and where AI assistants like Yasmina become integral to everyday life. The company’s vision is to contribute significantly to society by creating AI solutions that are not only advanced but also deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the region.