emirates7 - Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, stated that the UAE has been aware of the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) since 2017, embarking on a distinctive journey of exploration and implementation that sets it apart from other nations.
This initiative, inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, is guided by three core principles: a bold and proactive approach to AI, acknowledgment of its vital role in the future, and a commitment to rapid deployment.
Al Olama made these remarks during a session for participants in the 2nd Global Government Leaders Program (GGLP), which includes field visits to various government entities and national projects to learn about the UAE’s best practices and successes across different strategic sectors.
He congratulated the participants on their selection for the program, which aims to cultivate resilient government leaders equipped to face future challenges. Initially, the focus was on technologies like self-driving cars and computer vision, which were considered groundbreaking at the time. However, the swift evolution of AI, especially with the emergence of large language models (LLMs), has significantly altered the landscape.
Al Olama emphasized that the UAE’s perspective on AI is distinct, viewing it not merely as a profit-generating tool, but as a catalyst for improving quality of life, attracting talent, and enhancing overall well-being. He discussed how the future of AI is closely linked to the global future, noting that the UAE is positioning itself at the forefront of this technological revolution through continuous investments in infrastructure and talent development.
He mentioned that early investments in supercomputing capabilities have allowed the UAE to develop its own LLMs and foster global partnerships, such as Microsoft’s collaboration with G42. The focus is now on building local capabilities and addressing the specific needs for Arabic language models.
Al Olama acknowledged the significance of global collaboration in navigating the evolving AI landscape, emphasizing an approach centered on knowledge sharing and collective action to maximize benefits while mitigating risks associated with this transformative technology.
While discussing the realities of AI deployment, he pointed out that AI holds the promise of revolutionizing industries and enhancing lives, but its rapid development also presents potential risks, including misuse and poor decision-making due to ignorance.
To address these challenges, the UAE has implemented proactive measures, such as an eight-month AI training program for senior government officials in partnership with Oxford University, aimed at creating a cadre of experts to navigate the complexities of AI deployment. Additionally, initiatives like the UAE AI Camp strive to demystify technology and improve public understanding, countering misconceptions perpetuated by science fiction and stereotypes.
In conclusion, Al Olama shared valuable insights from the UAE's experience, highlighting the need for continuous learning and adaptation in response to the fast pace of AI development. He stressed the importance of thoughtful consideration and proactive measures to tackle the economic implications of AI, such as the costs associated with training complex models and the growing demand for energy resources. Ultimately, the UAE's unique approach and commitment to responsible regulation and international collaboration serve as a global example of how to harness the power of AI for societal benefit.
The Global Government Leaders Program, co-organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) under the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Government Experience Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, aims to empower first- and second-tier government leaders from participating countries. By sharing the UAE's successful governmental practices, the program equips participants with practical tools and models to enhance their institutions' future readiness and effectiveness.
The second cohort of the Global Government Leaders Program comprises participants from 31 countries, including Azerbaijan, Mongolia, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Bermuda, Ethiopia, Georgia, the Maldives, Andorra, Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, Barbados, Romania, Costa Rica, Madagascar, Seychelles, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Fiji, Rwanda, Senegal, Colombia, Paraguay, Brazil, Turkmenistan, Guyana, Brunei, Malta, Zimbabwe, Serbia, and the UAE.
This initiative, inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, is guided by three core principles: a bold and proactive approach to AI, acknowledgment of its vital role in the future, and a commitment to rapid deployment.
Al Olama made these remarks during a session for participants in the 2nd Global Government Leaders Program (GGLP), which includes field visits to various government entities and national projects to learn about the UAE’s best practices and successes across different strategic sectors.
He congratulated the participants on their selection for the program, which aims to cultivate resilient government leaders equipped to face future challenges. Initially, the focus was on technologies like self-driving cars and computer vision, which were considered groundbreaking at the time. However, the swift evolution of AI, especially with the emergence of large language models (LLMs), has significantly altered the landscape.
Al Olama emphasized that the UAE’s perspective on AI is distinct, viewing it not merely as a profit-generating tool, but as a catalyst for improving quality of life, attracting talent, and enhancing overall well-being. He discussed how the future of AI is closely linked to the global future, noting that the UAE is positioning itself at the forefront of this technological revolution through continuous investments in infrastructure and talent development.
He mentioned that early investments in supercomputing capabilities have allowed the UAE to develop its own LLMs and foster global partnerships, such as Microsoft’s collaboration with G42. The focus is now on building local capabilities and addressing the specific needs for Arabic language models.
Al Olama acknowledged the significance of global collaboration in navigating the evolving AI landscape, emphasizing an approach centered on knowledge sharing and collective action to maximize benefits while mitigating risks associated with this transformative technology.
While discussing the realities of AI deployment, he pointed out that AI holds the promise of revolutionizing industries and enhancing lives, but its rapid development also presents potential risks, including misuse and poor decision-making due to ignorance.
To address these challenges, the UAE has implemented proactive measures, such as an eight-month AI training program for senior government officials in partnership with Oxford University, aimed at creating a cadre of experts to navigate the complexities of AI deployment. Additionally, initiatives like the UAE AI Camp strive to demystify technology and improve public understanding, countering misconceptions perpetuated by science fiction and stereotypes.
In conclusion, Al Olama shared valuable insights from the UAE's experience, highlighting the need for continuous learning and adaptation in response to the fast pace of AI development. He stressed the importance of thoughtful consideration and proactive measures to tackle the economic implications of AI, such as the costs associated with training complex models and the growing demand for energy resources. Ultimately, the UAE's unique approach and commitment to responsible regulation and international collaboration serve as a global example of how to harness the power of AI for societal benefit.
The Global Government Leaders Program, co-organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) under the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Government Experience Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, aims to empower first- and second-tier government leaders from participating countries. By sharing the UAE's successful governmental practices, the program equips participants with practical tools and models to enhance their institutions' future readiness and effectiveness.
The second cohort of the Global Government Leaders Program comprises participants from 31 countries, including Azerbaijan, Mongolia, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Bermuda, Ethiopia, Georgia, the Maldives, Andorra, Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, Barbados, Romania, Costa Rica, Madagascar, Seychelles, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Fiji, Rwanda, Senegal, Colombia, Paraguay, Brazil, Turkmenistan, Guyana, Brunei, Malta, Zimbabwe, Serbia, and the UAE.