Hamdan Bin Mohammed Highlights UAE’s Commitment To Technology During Visit To Google’s Dubai Offices
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, highlighted the UAE's commitment to technological transformation. This is part of a strategic vision to position the nation as a future-focused hub. The UAE is enhancing its tech capabilities through partnerships with global technology leaders, with artificial intelligence being a key focus.
During his visit to Google's offices in the Dubai Innovation Hub, Sheikh Hamdan was welcomed by Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google; Anthony Nakache, Managing Director of Google in the Middle East and North Africa; and other executives. They praised the UAE for its inspiring use of advanced technologies and AI solutions.
The collaboration between the UAE and Google began in 2008 when Google opened its largest office in the Middle East and North Africa in Dubai. This partnership supports the UAE’s leadership vision for digital transformation. Sheikh Hamdan learned about Google's AI initiatives, including tools like Gemini personal assistant and NotebookLM for research and writing.
Sheikh Hamdan also previewed Google's Economic Impact Report for 2024. The report highlights economic benefits from Google products such as Search, YouTube, Maps, Cloud, and Ads. It assesses the value these services provide to users, businesses, and communities across the UAE. This is Google's first report of this kind for the country.
The visit underscored the strong relationship between the UAE and Google in AI and advanced technologies. Google's executives reiterated their commitment to supporting the UAE’s digital goals through training initiatives. Through its ‘Grow with Google’ programme, around 420,000 individuals have been trained in AI applications for business growth.
Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on the Google Accessibility Discovery Center in Dubai, which opened in September 2024. This facility is one of only seven worldwide and is unique in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Strategic Vision for Future Technologies
Dubai prioritises developing future technologies like AI as part of its strategic agenda. The Dubai Economic Agenda D33 aims to generate AED100 billion annually from digital transformation. It seeks to establish Dubai as a global leader in the digital economy.
Accompanying Sheikh Hamdan during his visit were Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; and Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
At the end of his visit, Sheikh Hamdan expressed gratitude for Google's significant contributions to the UAE's technological landscape. He reaffirmed Dubai’s dedication to leveraging technology for sustainable development. His Highness emphasised that strategic partnerships with companies like Google are crucial for making Dubai a leading global hub for innovation.
With inputs from WAM
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