UAE AI Office and EGA Join Forces to Boost AI Adoption in Industrial Sector at WGS 2024
The UAE’s Office for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications has partnered with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to drive artificial intelligence (AI) adoption within the industrial sector. The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024 in Dubai. The agreement was signed by Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Abdulnasser bin Kalban, CEO of EGA.
This partnership underscores the UAE’s ongoing commitment to leveraging AI for industrial advancements, further strengthening its global competitiveness and accelerating the digital transformation of critical sectors.
Advancing AI in Key Industrial Sectors
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Olama emphasized the importance of integrating AI into key industries to enhance efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. He noted that artificial intelligence is a key driver in the UAE’s broader digital transformation strategy, and its application in industrial operations will significantly improve productivity and sustainability.
“The UAE is committed to leading AI adoption across various sectors, ensuring that industries benefit from cutting-edge technologies that enhance operational efficiency and drive economic growth,” said Al Olama. He also praised EGA for its proactive approach to incorporating Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) solutions, particularly in artificial intelligence, throughout its operations.
Under the MoU, the Office for Artificial Intelligence and EGA will collaborate on multiple initiatives aimed at fostering AI-driven innovations in the industrial sector. These include:
- Establishing research partnerships focused on artificial intelligence, particularly for the development of advanced aluminum alloys.
- Upskilling EGA employees in AI, ensuring they acquire the expertise needed to integrate AI solutions effectively into their workflows.
- Encouraging career opportunities for UAE National students in the AI field, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
- Partnering with universities to align academic curricula with industry needs, ensuring future professionals are equipped with the necessary AI skills.
The partnership is expected to play a crucial role in positioning the UAE as a leader in AI-driven industrial transformation while supporting national economic objectives.
EGA’s Industry 4.0 Transformation and AI Integration
EGA has been actively pursuing its Industry 4.0 transformation since 2021, aiming to harness digital technologies to optimize operations, improve sustainability, and reinforce its leadership in the aluminum industry. By integrating AI and automation, EGA seeks to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the overall quality of production processes.
As part of this initiative, EGA has focused on incorporating Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions into its operations. The company has been using AI-driven technologies in several key areas, including:
- Supply chain optimization, improving logistics, material procurement, and inventory management through predictive analytics.
- Automated quality testing, ensuring product consistency and minimizing defects in aluminum production.
- Enhanced safety measures, utilizing AI-powered monitoring systems to improve workplace safety and reduce risks in factory environments.
For over three decades, EGA has been pioneering proprietary technologies for aluminum smelting operations, contributing to the development of sustainable and efficient industrial processes. The collaboration with the UAE AI Office will further accelerate these advancements, positioning EGA as a digital leader in the regional and global aluminum industry.
World Governments Summit 2024: A Global Platform for Innovation
The announcement of this partnership took place during WGS 2024, a premier international event that brings together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the future of governance and innovation.
The 2024 edition of WGS features six primary themes and fifteen forums, facilitating discussions on AI, digital transformation, and emerging technologies. The summit includes over 23 ministerial meetings and roundtables, with participation from 85 international, regional, and intergovernmental organizations. Attendees also have access to more than 120 interactive sessions and workshops, featuring insights from 300 prominent figures, including heads of state, ministers, industry experts, and decision-makers.
By choosing WGS 2024 as the platform to announce their partnership, the UAE AI Office and EGA underscore the global significance of AI-driven industrial transformation. The collaboration aligns with the summit’s broader objectives of fostering innovation, sustainability, and cross-sector partnerships.
Impact of the Partnership on the UAE’s AI and Industrial Strategy
The UAE has been at the forefront of AI adoption, implementing national strategies aimed at integrating artificial intelligence across key sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and infrastructure. The country’s AI strategy focuses on:
- Strengthening public-private partnerships to drive AI innovation.
- Enhancing AI research and development through government and industry collaborations.
- Developing AI-driven smart industries that increase productivity and sustainability.
- Expanding education and workforce training to build AI capabilities among UAE professionals.
This latest MoU between the UAE AI Office and EGA represents a significant step toward achieving these goals. By combining expertise from government and industry leaders, the partnership will facilitate the creation of AI-powered solutions tailored to the needs of the industrial sector.
In addition, the focus on education and workforce development ensures that the next generation of UAE professionals will be equipped with the necessary skills to drive AI advancements in manufacturing and other industries. The initiative will also contribute to the UAE’s broader economic diversification efforts by strengthening its position as a global technology and innovation hub.
Conclusion
The collaboration between the UAE’s Office for Artificial Intelligence and Emirates Global Aluminium marks a strategic milestone in the country’s AI-driven industrial transformation. By fostering AI research, upskilling professionals, and integrating smart technologies into manufacturing processes, the partnership will enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and global competitiveness of the UAE’s industrial sector.
Announced at WGS 2024, the initiative highlights the UAE’s commitment to positioning itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence and digital economy. As AI continues to revolutionize industries worldwide, this collaboration will serve as a model for how governments and private enterprises can work together to drive innovation and economic growth.
