Google Launches Largest AI Initiative In MENA To Enhance Skills And Research Funding From Dubai

Google has unveiled the AI Opportunity Initiative for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), marking its largest AI effort in the region. This initiative aims to equip individuals with essential AI skills, provide research funding, and offer access to beneficial AI products. Google.org, Google's philanthropic division, plans to invest US$15 million by 2027 to ensure AI opportunities are accessible to everyone across the region.

Recent studies highlight the need to boost AI and digital literacy for competitiveness in an AI-driven economy. Economist Impact estimates that AI could contribute $320 billion to MENA's economic growth by 2030. Google's initiative builds on its commitment since 2018, having trained three million people in digital skills. The new program aims to empower half a million more within two years.

Google is launching educational programs focused on AI skills and safety. A new Arabic-language curriculum under 'Maharat min Google' and Coursera will teach skills like prompt engineering. Google.org is also supporting Village Capital with a grant to help underserved communities, focusing on women, youth, migrants, and rural workers across several MENA countries.

The Experience AI program by Raspberry Pi Foundation and Google DeepMind will be offered in Arabic. It aims to train teachers on AI literacy for students aged 11-14 years. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, this will be conducted with Amideast's partnership.

Since 2005, Google has invested over USD 400 million globally in academic research. In MENA, it will support local universities and startups developing AI solutions for healthcare, climate change, education, and more through a new research fund. Google.org will also grant startAD at New York University Abu Dhabi to develop healthcare applications for vulnerable groups in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

AI-Powered Features in Arabic

Gemini, Google's personal assistant launched in Arabic in July 2023, understands over 16 dialects. New features include Gems on Gemini for creating personalised experts for tasks like career guidance and coding support. Gemini for Teens offers age-appropriate experiences with features like double-check response verification.

Imagen3 allows image generation using Arabic prompts while Gemini Live offers conversational experiences on Android devices. These enhancements aim to support users with diverse needs across the region.

Infrastructure Investments

Google continues investing in cloud infrastructure within MENA to meet growing demand for cloud services. Partnerships with entities like Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund aim to expand existing facilities and advance research in Arabic-language models while providing digital upskilling programs.

Ruth Porat of Alphabet and Google highlighted at the Google AI Connect Event that their investments have equipped people with necessary skills for thriving in a global digital economy. She stated: "AI is estimated to contribute $320 billion in economic growth for the Middle East by 2030."

The event at Etihad Museum saw participation from Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications alongside numerous government officials, business leaders, developers, and entrepreneurs.

With inputs from WAM