At the Chief Future Officer Forum in Dubai, technology leaders in the UAE praised the rapid digital transformation brought about by tools like artificial intelligence (AI), but also urged for responsible use of these technologies. While organisations are eager to benefit from the positive impact of technology, panellists emphasized the importance of being vigilant to address any unintended consequences. Ussama Dahabiyeh, CEO of Injazat, a technology business under Abu Dhabi’s G42, noted the powerful potential of tools like AI, which will give us “superhuman” powers in our hands. However, he stressed the need to prioritize data privacy, security, and ethics to protect individuals and organisations using these technologies.
Talal Al Kaissi, CEO of G42 Cloud, emphasized the need for the infrastructure necessary to support and ensure the reliability of AI technology. Enterprises and governments have recognized the critical role of digital transformation in the economy and society, with investments projected to surpass $74 billion by 2026 in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. AI and machine learning have been particularly popular, with generative AI-augmented by OpenAI’s ChatGPT leading the way. However, there have also been warnings about the downsides of AI, including job displacement and potential danger as it learns more on its own.
Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, stressed the importance of responsible implementation and deployment of AI technology. While some companies may be hesitant to try new technologies, most embrace them once they understand the value in terms of cost optimization and enablement. Overall, technology leaders emphasized the need for responsible use and proper implementation of these powerful tools.
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