His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, affirmed that the rapid growth witnessed in the global generative artificial intelligence market reflects the driving force and catalyst role of the artificial intelligence sector for the future.
He pointed out that the UAE’s wise leadership has recognised for more than two decades the importance of adopting and developing the capabilities and solutions of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and enhancing investment in the technology and artificial intelligence sector that reshapes various industries worldwide.
World Economic Forum
During a session titled “Is Artificial Intelligence a Driver for the Fourth Industrial Revolution?” as part of the activities of the 54th edition of the World Economic Forum, he stated that the integration of global efforts through providing effective platforms for international dialogue, such as the World Economic Forum, contributes to enhancing the readiness of governments in sectors related to the future.
Moreover, it supports their efforts in developing solutions and tools capable of accelerating steps towards the future. He emphasised the importance of international cooperation in mapping the current and future challenges and opportunities, laying the foundation for addressing them.
He added that the decisions we make today will shape the lives of future generations, and the integration of the roles of governments and their adaptation to global changes are essential factors in promoting their prosperity and contribution to building an advanced and interconnected future.
He highlighted the current role of governments and leaders in designing innovative strategies to address the impacts of this technology and ensuring adaptation to rapid developments in artificial intelligence.
His Excellency stressed that the UAE government is keen on enhancing international cooperation and meaningful partnerships with technology companies worldwide to ensure that it benefits from the positive results of technology and address its potential negative aspects.
Furthermore, the UAE government is working to create a supportive environment to accelerate the adoption of generative artificial intelligence solutions, given its crucial role in achieving the ambitious goals of the country and the positive potential it holds for various institutions and companies.
Components and Capabilities
He added that the UAE possesses significant components and capabilities by hosting more than 200 nationalities, making it an ideal platform for developing global applications for artificial intelligence in various fields, such as healthcare, education, and others that are constantly being developed and improved. He pointed out the advanced digital infrastructure and flexible legislative frameworks that ensure that technological companies choosing the UAE as a destination for their digital business development, can develop and flourish.
He stated that the development of generative artificial intelligence requires a focus on developing digital skills and establishing a digitally skilled and adaptable society.
The UAE places great importance on keeping pace with global changes, studying their challenges and opportunities, and working on qualifying more than 400 officials and decision-makers in government entities on digital skills, ethics, digital foundations, and the nature of artificial intelligence in collaboration with the University of Oxford. This initiative aims to enhance awareness in government entities and society, ensuring the comprehensive adoption of digital technology in various sectors.
UAE Codes Day
Al Olama further noted that the UAE has adopted an annual day dedicated to programming, known as “UAE Codes Day,” celebrated on October 29.
This day celebrates the programming community in the UAE and includes initiatives and activities to encourage the community to acquire programming skills as the language of the future.
He emphasised that UAE Codes Day has contributed to the participation of more than 100,000 individuals from the UAE community in writing code. This initiative aims to enhance digital awareness and encourage individuals to start their digital journey and excel in these future fields.
He highlighted the success of the UAE in introducing artificial intelligence into the curriculum to teach students programming methods and the fundamentals and ethics of artificial intelligence.
The session, held as part of the initiatives of the World Economic Forum’s Artificial Intelligence Governance Committee, focused on the evolution of generative artificial intelligence and the transformation of smart technology into one of the fastest and most impactful innovations in the Fourth Industrial Revolution across various sectors from creativity to production and distribution.
It discussed the expected effects of artificial intelligence on global value chains, mimicking the impact of the steam engine in the progress of the industrial revolution in the last century.
The session highlighted the importance of developing digital skills in envisioning the future, the effects of the evolution of artificial intelligence on industry worldwide, available solutions for governments and leaders to manage its various challenges, and the opportunities provided by artificial intelligence solutions in areas such as improving production efficiency, industrial systems, and enhancing product quality.
