UAE Council for AI holds its first meeting

Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence (AI), on Monday headed the first meeting of the UAE Council for AI, which discussed the council's objectives and role in implementing the UAE Strategy for AI.

The UAE's status as a trailblazer in AI and the wellbeing of citizens were the main topics of discussion at the meeting, which also highlighted issues arising from the advent of AI and its potential role as a strong foundation for excellence-driven future governments.

"Guided by the directives of its wise leadership, the UAE has embraced innovation and forged strategic international partnerships to present bold new scenarios where AI plays a central role in building the future," Al Olama said. "The UAE is highly prepared to handle this breakthrough technology, and incorporate it in a clear, forward-thinking and long-term strategy to upgrade all vital sectors, in line with the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan."

The council is tasked with proposing policies to create an AI-friendly ecosystem; advanced research in the sector; and promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors, including international institutions to accelerate the adoption of AI.

The Council is tasked with encouraging the exchange of knowledge and experience in the AI field; integrating artificial intelligence in education; spreading awareness and knowledge in the public sector; using AI to ensure the happiness of individuals; and proposing policies and strategies to build a generation of tech-savvy citizens with deep knowledge of AI.

The meeting examined a proposed four-criteria evaluation mechanism for AI applications in the UAE. Bearing the name "UAI", the approach assesses AI applications based on their compliance with four key metrics: Ensuring the positive use of artificial intelligence; privacy of user data; data security and integrity; and efficient data sharing with the competent authorities.

The meeting also discussed the economic benefits that the UAE can expect from adopting AI, which is poised to increase economic output by 26 per cent, and grow the economy by Dh335 billion.

The seven main objectives of the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, namely, transforming the UAE into a leading global destination for AI-powered application and government services; supporting various sectors to embrace and develop artificial intelligence technology to ensure faster growth; attracting and training talent for future AI-centric jobs; attracting prominent international scientists to work within specific sectors; establishing the necessary data infrastructure to transform the UAE into a global AI laboratory; ensuring efficient governance; and setting sound policies and legislation for AI-based technologies and innovations also came up for discussion at the council meeting.

The UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence strives to implement the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence to establish the emirates as a world leader in the AI sector by 2031, by forming committees and sub-councils to support its efforts.

Present at the meeting were Dr Rawda Al Saadi, director general at the Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre; Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, director general of the Smart Dubai Office; Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, director general of Sharjah's Department of eGovernment; Ohood Al Shuhail, director general of Ajman's Digital Government; Khalid Sultan Al Shamsi, general manager of the eGovernment Department in Umm Al Quwain; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, director general of Fujairah's Department of e-Government; Ahmed bin Saeed Al Sayah, general manager of the eGovernment Authority in Ras Al Khaimah; and Mohamed bin Taliah, assistant director general for Government Services Sector.