Page 80 - SAMENA Trends - October-December 2024

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

UAE Among Fastest Nations to Deploy AI: Omar Al Olama

Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State
for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy,
and Remote Work Applications, said the
UAE has recognized the transformative
potential of artificial intelligence since
2017, embarking on a journey of
exploration and implementation unlike any
other nation. This journey, inspired by the
vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President,
Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has
been guided by three key principles: boldly
and proactively embracing AI, recognizing
its crucial role in the future, and striving
for unparalleled speed in deployment,
he added. This came during a session in
which Al Olama addressed participants
of the 2nd Global Government Leaders
Program (GGLP), organized as part of
a series of field visits that takes them
around various government entities and for Arabic language models.” The UAE, the cost of training complex models
national projects to learn about the UAE’s he noted, recognizes the importance of and the growing importance of energy
best practices and success in various global collaboration in navigating the resources. Ultimately, the UAE's unique
strategic sectors. Al Olama congratulated evolving landscape of AI, and adopts an approach and commitment to responsible
the cohort on being selected to take part approach based on knowledge sharing and regulation and international collaboration,
in this program, which aims to create collective action to maximize the benefits set a global example for harnessing the
resilient government leaders capable of and limit the risks of this transformative power of AI for the betterment of society.
navigating future challenges. Initially, the technology. Speaking about the realities The Global Government Leaders Program,
focus was on technologies like self-driving of AI deployment, Al Olama said that AI's jointly organized by the Mohammed bin
cars and computer vision, considered promise lies in its ability to revolutionize Rashid Center for Leadership Development
cutting-edge at the time. However, the industries and improve lives, however, its (MBRCLD) operating under the Executive
rapid evolution of AI, particularly with the rapid advancement also presents potential Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed
rise of large language models (LLMs), has risks, including those of misuse and of bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the
shifted the landscape dramatically. Omar ignorance in the decision-making process. Government Experience Exchange Office at
Al Olama said, “The UAE's approach is He highlighted the UAE’s proactive efforts the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, empowers
unique, viewing AI not as a tool for profit, to address this challenge through initiatives first- and second-tier government leaders
but as a catalyst for enhancing quality of like organizing an eight-month AI training from participating countries. By sharing
life, attracting and retaining talent, and program for senior government officials, the UAE's successful experience in
ultimately, enhancing quality of life.” He in partnership with Oxford University, government performance, the program
explained how the future of AI is intertwined creating a cadre of experts to navigate equips participants with practical tools
with the future of the world, pointing the complexities of AI deployment. and models to enhance their institutions”
out that the UAE, through continuous Furthermore, programs like the UAE AI future readiness and effectiveness.
investment in infrastructure and talent Camp aim to demystify the technology and Participants in the 2nd cohort of the Global
development, is positioning itself at the foster public understanding, combating Government Leaders Program come
forefront of this technological revolution. misconceptions fueled by science fiction from 31 countries, namely: Azerbaijan,
“Early investments in supercomputing and stereotypes. Concluding the session, Mongolia, the Kurdistan Region, Iraq,
capabilities have enabled the nation to Al Olama showcased valuable lessons Bermuda, Ethiopia, Georgia, the Maldives,
train its own Large Language Models offered by the UAE's experience, noting Andorra, Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, Barbados,
(LLMs) and attract global partnerships, how the rapid pace of AI development Romania, Costa Rica, Madagascar, the
such as Microsoft's investment in G42,” requires continuous learning and Seychelles, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Fiji,
Al Olama said. “The focus now shifts adaptation. Careful consideration and Rwanda, Senegal, Colombia, Paraguay,
towards building in-house capabilities proactivity are required to address the Brazil, Turkmenistan, Guyana, Brunei,
and addressing the unique local needs economic implications of AI, including Malta, Zimbabwe, Serbia and the UAE.

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