UAE establishes global leadership in AI and high-tech innovation

The UAE strengthens its global leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technology, driven by its vision for innovation and global partnerships, aiming to be among the world’s most advanced nations in this vital sector.

The UAE has ramped up AI and tech investments to secure a prosperous, sustainable future, forging global partnerships in line with its vision, where technology and AI are key pillars, international company leaders told Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Kiril Evtimov, Group Chief Technology Officer at G42 and CEO for Core42, emphasised that the UAE is at the forefront of global AI developments alongside mature technology markets such as the US “The country’s strategic role in this regard has been reinforced by Microsoft’s recent $1.5 billion investment in G42, highlighting the UAE’s ability to drive AI development and adoption in vital sectors such as healthcare, education and energy.”

He added that the UAE ranks third globally in attracting AI experts, with its focus on a skilled workforce driving digital transformation. “G42 plays a key role, offering end-to-end solutions from advanced data centres to cutting-edge AI models for global clients.”

He highlighted G42’s commitment to safe and responsible AI development, aiming to benefit society. “With two new research centres launched in partnership with Microsoft and a collaboration with NVIDIA, we are tackling real-world challenges, positioning Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for AI innovation,” he said.

Jacob Chacko, Regional Director for the Middle East & Africa at HPE Aruba Networking, stated, “The UAE is a global leader in using AI to drive development and innovation. Thanks to visionary leadership, the UAE has integrated AI across key sectors, enhancing quality of life and boosting the economy.” Ahmad Alkhallafi, Managing Director of Hewlett Packard Enterprise for the UAE and Africa, said the UAE is solidifying its global AI leadership, driven by its ambitious leadership and the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence. He noted that billions of dollars in AI investments aim to achieve significant economic gains by 2031.

He emphasised that the UAE’s AI investments extend beyond finances, focusing on developing local talent and supporting AI research, promoting sustainability and growth. “These efforts integrate AI across key sectors like education, health, transport, and energy, boosting performance, operational efficiency, and national innovation.” Hyther Nizam, President, Middle East and Africa, Zoho, stated that the UAE is focused on harnessing the potential of AI, necessitating significant investments and collaboration between the public and private sectors, which the country is actively pursuing to drive growth in this promising field.

A day earlier, Digital Dubai, the government entity overseeing digital transformation in Dubai, announced that it is developing the Dubai Data and Artificial Intelligence Platform in accordance with the highest international standards and specifications.

In this regard, Digital Dubai awarded a contract to Moro Hub - Data Hub for Integrated Solutions (Moro), a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (PJSC), to begin work on the project by the end of September 2024.

The unified platform will serve as a gateway to official data and statistics relating to Dubai, enabling government and private entities to host and share data seamlessly through the platform while ensuring the highest levels of accessibility and security.

It also facilitates innovative approaches backed up by Artificial Intelligence to display and analyse data, which, in turn, helps the government in making sound decisions aided by advanced data and analysis. Such approaches will help enhance digital maturity, which Digital Dubai is actively working to foster. It will go towards boosting the data maturity index too, improving the level of digital data while scoring high on aspects such as quality, ease of use, and governance.

The agreement was signed at the headquarters of Digital Dubai by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA); and Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai; in the presence of Younus Al Nasser, CEO of Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment; Marwan Bin Haidar, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of Digital DEWA; Mohammed Bin Sulaiman, CEO of Moro Hub; and Ghaith Al Suwaidi, Chief AI Officer, Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment.

The Dubai Data and AI Platform enables government entities to use synthetic data within the application, a concept previously championed by Digital Dubai. It is distinguished by its scalable infrastructure that is compatible with future requirements, which enhances the flexibility of government performance in several areas and helps in providing accurate figures and data while focusing on performance indicators in the public and private sectors.