The UAE has been among the frontrunners globally to promote Artificial Intelligence to shape the future, as this technology is a backbone for the UAE future strategy and its development journey for the coming years.

The ‘Ai Everything’ conference held in Dubai, the first major live in-person business event following the resumption of economic activities, is a clear indication that the UAE has been pressing the correct keys when it comes to digital embrace.  

The idea behind the conference is to celebrate the UAE’s effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and explore the future of the technology and how it can bring about qualitative shifts in various sectors.

Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has rightly mentioned that the UAE has created a successful model for designing the future and ensuring high levels of preparedness to deal with unforeseen challenges, thanks to the guidance of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Dubai continues to implement the forward-thinking vision of the leadership which focuses on anticipating, preparing and planning for future challenges.

Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, has already announced a series of initiatives to support the AI sector and encourage young talent in the field.

The “Artificial Intelligence Lab”, the first initiative of its kind in the UAE and the region, will help support vital sectors by providing a platform for hosting a range of AI projects with the support of the UAE Government’s Office of Artificial Intelligence, which oversees the implementation of the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031.

The lab provides high-performance computing capabilities for innovators and researchers and supports them in developing AI technology using world-class lab infrastructure.

Al Olama has also announced a project that will be undertaken in cooperation with the Artificial Intelligence Office and various government agencies, as well as scientific institutions and research centres in the field of self-driving vehicles.

Under the project, the Artificial Intelligence Lab will explore new solutions that promote increased reliance on autonomous vehicles in the future.

The UAE is also planning another innovative project that uses Artificial Intelligence technology to protect wildlife in the UAE. The project uses the latest global innovations in image analysis, visual technologies and data collection. AI adoption has been happening on varied fronts. For example, the Dubai Health Authority, DHA, has begun to sterilise its hospitals and health centres by using smart robots, in line with precautionary measures to enhance the safety of staff members and patients across the DHA health facilities.

In addition to the ease of use of technology in the daily sterilisation routine, the robots are very efficient and can complete exhaustive sterilisation of a room within 10 to 15 minutes which makes the process of infection prevention and control highly efficient.

In Sheikh Mohammed’s own words: “We focus our efforts on building the future of the UAE based on a forward-looking vision that adopts global trends and developments, and support brightest young minds, and encourage innovation and creativity. We want the UAE to be a partner of choice for technology firms and AI talents from around the world. We want the UAE to be the best in the word in developing this futuristic sector and investing in it.”