UAE Aims to Become Global Leader in Artificial Intelligence, Says Minister
The UAE is setting its sights on becoming the world’s leading nation in artificial intelligence (AI), much like it once dominated pearl diving 150 years ago, according to Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.
Speaking at the Oracle CloudWorld Tour in Dubai on January 22, Al Olama highlighted the seamless integration of AI into everyday life in the UAE. A prime example is the use of AI-powered smart tunnels and gates at Dubai Airport (DXB), allowing travelers to pass through without human interaction or passport checks.
Al Olama emphasized, “That’s the power of AI when deployed effectively.”
Digital Dubai: A Revolutionary Model
Dubai’s transformation into a smart city represents the city’s fourth revolution, with initiatives like the launch of a unified medical system in 2017. This system integrates processes across the government’s digital ecosystem, enabling efficient service delivery and reducing inefficiencies.
Khalifa Al Marris, CEO of the Shared Government Service Sector, Digital Dubai, stated that Dubai’s success in digital transformation has become a model for other governments worldwide.
AI’s Economic Impact on the UAE
A recent report by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry outlined AI’s expected impact across various sectors:
- Financial Sector: AI adoption is forecast to boost GDP by 14% by 2035.
- Healthcare: The market is set to expand at a CAGR of 42%, reaching AED 3 billion by 2029.
- Tourism and Hospitality: Projected to contribute AED 3 billion in output by 2030.
- Construction: Integration of AI could add AED 39 billion to the economy.
According to PwC, AI is expected to contribute $320 billion to the Middle East economy by 2030, with the UAE seeing the largest impact at 14% of its GDP.
The UAE has demonstrated its commitment to AI by appointing the world’s first Minister of Artificial Intelligence in 2017 and ranking 18th globally on the Oxford AI Readiness Index 2021.
As the world rapidly adopts AI, the UAE continues to lead by example, establishing itself as a hub for innovation and technological advancement.
