Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, highlighted that the UAE has recognised the transformative impact of artificial intelligence since 2017, embarking on a unique path of exploration and implementation.
Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, this journey has been built on three core principles: embracing AI boldly, understanding its pivotal role in shaping the future, and deploying it swiftly, Al Olama explained.
He shared these insights during a session with participants of the 2nd Global Government Leaders Program (GGLP), which involves visits to government entities and projects to learn about the UAE’s successes and practices in various strategic sectors. Al Olama congratulated the participants on their selection for the program, designed to cultivate government leaders capable of addressing future challenges.
He reflected on the initial focus of AI in areas like self-driving cars and computer vision, which were considered groundbreaking at the time. However, AI’s rapid progression, particularly with the rise of large language models (LLMs), has significantly changed the landscape.
“The UAE’s approach is distinct, viewing AI as a tool to enhance the quality of life, attract talent, and improve societal wellbeing, rather than purely for profit,” Al Olama stated. He also emphasized that the future of AI is closely linked to the future of the world, and the UAE is positioning itself as a leader in this revolution by continuously investing in infrastructure and talent.
“Early investments in supercomputing have allowed the UAE to develop its own LLMs and attract international partnerships, such as Microsoft’s collaboration with G42,” he added. The focus now, he noted, is on building in-house capabilities, particularly for developing Arabic language models to meet local needs.
Al Olama further stressed the importance of global collaboration, with the UAE fostering knowledge sharing to harness the benefits of AI while managing its risks. He acknowledged the rapid advancement of AI, which brings both opportunities and challenges, including the potential for misuse or uninformed decision-making.
To address these challenges, he pointed to initiatives like the UAE’s AI training program for senior government officials, developed in partnership with Oxford University, which equips leaders with the expertise needed for AI deployment. Additionally, public outreach efforts such as the UAE AI Camp aim to dispel myths and foster understanding of the technology.
In conclusion, Al Olama emphasized that the UAE’s experience offers valuable insights, demonstrating how continuous learning and proactive regulation are essential in the fast-evolving AI landscape. By addressing the economic implications, such as the cost of training complex models and energy needs, the UAE sets a global example in leveraging AI responsibly for the benefit of society.
