The UAE’s vision for AI is embodied in its National AI Strategy 2031, which seeks to establish the nation as a global leader in AI by incorporating it across various sectors. This strategy is not merely a plan but a reflection of the UAE’s innovative approach to leveraging AI for socio-economic development.
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| Dubai Has Ambitious AI Vision |
In 2017, the UAE gained attention by appointing the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, highlighting its commitment to integrating AI at the highest levels of government. This ensures that AI policies and initiatives receive dedicated attention and resources. Additionally, the Smart Dubai initiative, under the Dubai Future Foundation, aims to transform Dubai into the smartest and happiest city globally. AI is central to this vision, enhancing smart governance, efficient resource management, and quality of life for residents and visitors.
A survey by Boston Consulting Group (BGC) reveals that while artificial intelligence is not new, public interest in it is growing rapidly. The survey found that people are surprisingly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about AI, indicating that business leaders should not underestimate consumers when developing and deploying AI-enabled solutions. Overall, 75% of respondents have used AI tools like ChatGPT. In markets such as India, Brazil, and the UAE, AI usage is higher than in so-called mature markets, with 91% of UAE consumers aware of GenAI and 34% using these technologies.
Governments like the UAE demonstrate strong AI engagement through initiatives such as the Falcon 2 AI model, designed to compete with Meta and OpenAI, positioning the country at the forefront of AI development. This underscores the region’s dedication to integrating AI across industries.
"GenAI has generated significant interest, boosting enterprise AI strategies and enabling numerous business outcomes. Many organizations are exploring various GenAI-enabled use cases, especially large ones with over 500 employees, driven by competitive pressure, financial resources, and the skills to support these technologies," explained Jyoti Lalchandani, Group Vice President & Regional MD, Middle East, Turkey & Africa, to Middle East News.
"As interest in GenAI grows, organizations are compelled to evaluate their data architecture and maturity, leading to numerous data modernization projects. Specialized business and IT services providers with data lifecycle services capabilities are increasingly engaging with clients across different vertical markets," he added.
Published on Dubaitowa.