Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications in the UAE government, has emphasized the country’s leadership in technology and artificial intelligence. He mentioned that the UAE works with international partners and adheres to market rules set by global technology leaders.
Since 2017, Al Olama has been the first minister in the world dedicated to developing an artificial intelligence strategy. He has positioned the UAE in the midst of global competition for technological superiority. In April, Microsoft announced a $1.5 billion investment in G42, an Abu Dhabi-based AI group.
The UAE’s commitment to advancing AI includes training government officials and educating citizens in AI-related fields. As of September, there were 120,000 people in the UAE working in AI or related sectors, a significant increase from two years ago. The country aims to leverage artificial intelligence to contribute significantly to its economy by 2030 and establish itself as a global leader in AI by 2031.
Al Olama emphasizes that choosing partners is crucial when it comes to artificial intelligence development amidst global competition. While Washington has restricted advanced American chip sales to prevent China from accessing the latest AI technology in the Middle East, Al Olama assured that the UAE is a trustworthy partner in AI development and emphasized that advanced American technology exists within Emirates’ borders.
In conclusion, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama’s focus on artificial intelligence highlights the UAE’s commitment to technological advancement and economic diversification positioning it as a key player globally in the field of AI.