The UAE vision to lead artificial intelligence (AI) and making waves by appointing the world’s first minister dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI). Omar Al Olama, who has held this position since 2017, is leading the charge as the country aims to become a global AI powerhouse. However, this ambitious plan is also drawing the UAE into the global tech rivalry between the United States and China.
Microsoft Big Investment in UAE AI
In April, Microsoft announced a $1.5 billion investment in G42, an AI company based in Abu Dhabi. This move, seen as part of the Biden administration’s strategy to curb China’s influence, aligns the UAE more closely with the US. G42, led by a member of the UAE’s ruling royal family, operates in various sectors, including data centers, healthcare, and surveillance.
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The UAE, one of the world’s largest oil producers, sees AI as a way to diversify its economy. According to PwC Middle East, AI could add $96 billion to the UAE’s economy by 2030, making up nearly 14% of its GDP. Al Olama emphasizes the importance of working with leading technology partners to stay at the cutting edge.
UAE National AI Strategy
The UAE has laid out a national strategy to become a global AI leader by 2031. The plan includes deploying AI in key sectors like energy and logistics, creating an ecosystem to attract talent, and training public officials in AI. As of September, the UAE had increased its AI workforce to 120,000 people, up from 30,000 just two years earlier.
Olama insists the UAE is a reliable partner. Highlighting their technological advancements, he points to the development of Falcon10B, a large language model that outperformed similar products from Google and Meta. Additionally, the UAE collaborated with Silicon Valley-based Cerebras Systems to create Jais, an AI model trained in both Arabic and English.
UAE Vision to Lead Artificial Intelligence AI
By making AI technologies like Falcon and Jais open-source, the UAE aims to help developing nations that lack the resources to build their own AI tools. The UAE’s oil wealth is expected to play a key role in developing expensive AI infrastructure, positioning the country as a future tech leader.
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Calls for Global AI Regulation
As AI technology advances, Olama has called for global regulation to ensure its safe and ethical use. He expressed concerns about deepfakes and the potential for AI to be used in creating biotech weapons. A US State Department report even warned that the most advanced AI systems could pose an extinction-level threat to humanity.
Olama emphasizes the need for international cooperation to manage these risks and ensure AI technologies are developed and used responsibly. The UAE is committed to balancing innovation with regulation to harness AI’s potential while safeguarding against its dangers.
