UAE’s vision of being the world leader of AI by 2031 is so far one of its most ambitious and zealous goals. Here’s a brief account on how it is taking shape.
The ministry of AI:
The kingdom has always surprised the world by establishing unprecedented ministries. Having created the ministry of happiness in 2016, the UAE announced a ministry of AI in 2017 spearheaded by Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama with a view to streamline its AI-related plans. The ministry has launched multiple programs for students keen to work in the AI sector along with degrees and scholarships. In 2020, UAE introduced the first AI-focused University, the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). MBZUAI is distinguished as the first research-based institution at the graduate level, providing specialized programs and facilitating applied AI research.
AI and aviation:
One of another most game-changing and quickest moves to seamlessly incorporate technology in UAE was through its penetration in the aviation sector which roughly constitutes 13.3% of its GDP. This was marked by an MOU signed between UAE General Civil Aviation Authority and Searidge Technologies in order to strengthen the research on the use of artificial intelligence in air traffic control as well as detection of suspected criminals. AI is already being employed by prominent organizations in the UAE to enhance their operations. ADNOC, the national oil company, DEWA, the water and electricity provider in Dubai, and Emirates Airline, the flagship carrier, have integrated AI to optimize their processes.
AI and healthcare:
Oyoon’s role in UAE’s fight against COVID-19 also goes to show how AI can bring about significant speed and efficiency in the medical world. By utilizing facial, voice, and license plate recognition, the Oyoon program effectively monitored the permits of residents who used to leave their homes.
AI and education:
In addition, the developments of AI in the education sector seem to be exponentially life altering. On the second day of the World Government Summit in 2023, the education minister announced a partnership between the Ministry of Education and Microsoft OpenAI. This disruption talks about propelling AI chatbot tutors into the field of education. Such large language models are set to shift the dynamics of teaching in the industry.
From the first AI world summit being conducted in the UAE in 2019 to its international “Machines can see” summit conducted in May 2023 with the objective of envisioning UAE as the next Silicon valley, the journey of UAE in the space of AI is truly a subject of pride as well as anticipation.
