Digital Dubai: Nationwide AI initiatives Crucial for innovation success
Hamad Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, stressed that government-led AI initiatives at the national level are crucial for innovation. Speaking at GITEX EUROPE in Berlin, he emphasized that without broad, nationwide support, it is difficult for countries to become AI leaders. According to Al Mansoori, “Everything will be solved after you see this kind of initiative and government support for it,” as the government’s direction steers the country toward becoming AI-enabled.
He described a significant shift in how humans interact with machines. “In the past, we needed to understand machine language to use technology,” he explained. “Today, technology can understand humans.” This change is reshaping technological progress globally and highlights why strategic government action matters.
Dubai’s Four-Pillar Approach to AI Leadership
The UAE, through Digital Dubai, manages over 130 AI initiatives, including an AI roadmap and ethics toolkit. Al Mansoori outlined four essential elements for any nation aiming to advance AI responsibly. First, clear AI principles must cover fairness, accountability, and privacy. Second, governments should collaborate with the private sector to develop appropriate regulations. Third, establishing a dedicated regulatory body is key. Finally, creating the right environment to attract and retain talent remains critical.
Regarding privacy, Al Mansoori stated, “We always implemented privacy in the design.” He stressed that data sharing must avoid exposing private information without explicit consent. Despite Dubai’s reputation as a magnet for tech talent, he acknowledged the challenges of attracting skilled professionals. “One of the most complicated subjects is to create the right environment and lean regulations to support AI operations,” he added.
Embracing Failure and Global Collaboration
Al Mansoori also emphasized the importance of accepting failure in digital transformation efforts. “We need leaders to launch initiatives and support them, even when failures occur,” he said. The UAE actively collaborates with countries like China, the U.S., Estonia, and Singapore, sharing best practices and developing regional regulations for the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Other panelists shared different perspectives. Robert Somogyi from Hungary highlighted education and cultural acceptance as critical for AI adoption. Serbian AI advisor Stefan Badža pointed out that Serbia has taught coding since 2017 and AI since 2021, advocating for more flexible regulations than those in the EU. He stressed the need for a level playing field in technology development.
GITEX EUROPE, running from May 21 to 23, showcases a strong UAE presence, especially among public sector entities eager to demonstrate their AI leadership.
