UAE, An Artificial Intelligence Hub

Embracing technology is no more an option, it’s a must in the ever-changing competitive corporate world. Companies will have to keep pace with the evolving technologies such as blockchain, machine learning, artificial intelligence and robotics, that are reshaping digital businesses.

UAE is a model nation when it comes to adoption of technology. Its most happening city, Dubai, is at the forefront of adopting innovative technologies. A pioneer in the development of artificial intelligence strategy, Dubai has been ranked first globally in attracting FDI for AI. The city had been successful in attracting more than $21 billion of foreign direct investment (FDI) for artificial intelligence and robotics project from 2015 to 2018. The European Union was the major contributor, with $5.7 billion, followed by the United States with $3.9 billion.

The country aims to become the foremost artificial intelligence hub globally, by understanding and promoting the use of the technology.  According to sources, the UAE government is “very much working towards accelerating the pace of AI adoption through strategic partnerships with both the public and private sectors”.

In 2017, the UAE Government launched ‘UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI)’ with the objective to make the country first in the field of AI investments in various sectors such as transport, health, space, education, traffic and many more.

In addition to this, the government has come up with an initiative named, Think AI, that includes a series of roundtables, workshops, and panel discussions comprising of governmental officials, private sector, and local and international organisations with expertise in AI. Apart from enhancing the adoption of AI, the programmes aim to educate and attract AI experts and also provide the infrastructure required for the development and application of the technology.

The roundtables are an initiate to improve the trustability and acceptance of AI along with regulating and designing policies to develop the technology.