UAE's Strategic Investment In AI Positions Nation As Global Leader, According To Omar Al Olama

The UAE's journey into artificial intelligence began in 2008, with Abu Dhabi investing in AI-focused companies and chip technology. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, highlighted the UAE's unique approach to long-term planning. He stated, "We don’t think like other countries; we think in multidecade intervals."

Al Olama emphasised the UAE's openness to learning from others. He remarked, "It's important for us to not only succeed, but for everyone who comes to the UAE to help us understand what we can do better." The minister assured that advice from visitors would be taken seriously and implemented over time.

Presight, a G42 company and the region’s largest big data analytics firm, is among the notable participants at Expand North Star by GITEX GLOBAL. The Presight AI-Startup Accelerator was launched last year to support early-stage ventures. Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, noted their programme's uniqueness in creating a global platform for startups.

Pramotedham explained that the accelerator provides startups with commercial pathways and access to world-class infrastructure. He said, "There are many accelerator programmes around the world, but what’s different about ours is that we are creating a global platform."

This year's Expand North Star event sees participation from 180 countries. ApexBrasil is the first-ever Country Partner, showcasing Brazil's innovation in AI and fintech across two pavilions. The event also features a record-breaking unicorn showcase with over 40 companies.

PsiQuantum from the USA and talabat from Kuwait are among those gaining attention. PsiQuantum is developing a fault-tolerant quantum system valued at US$68 billion, while talabat leads in online ordering in MENA with an US$8.5 billion valuation.

Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies

The UAE Cybersecurity Council partnered with Presight during the event. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti highlighted cybersecurity's role in supporting national security mandates. He stated that safety and security remain crucial as technologies like AI and quantum computing evolve.

Hatem Dowidar, Global CEO of e&, discussed how emerging technologies will reshape startups over the next decade. He mentioned 5G standalone technology as a key enabler for new businesses while stressing proper AI governance for data privacy.

Driving Digital Growth

Expand North Star aims to boost collaboration and funding while enhancing the UAE’s status as a digital economy hub. The four-day event at Dubai Harbour brings together founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and public-private partners globally.

The programme focuses on elevating funding levels and fostering partnerships across emerging AI economies. It showcases disruptive solutions in areas like climate tech, deep tech, digital health, and fintech.

The UAE government recently announced ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World’ initiative to position itself as a leading startup hub globally. This initiative aims to create 30,000 jobs by 2030 and establish at least 10 unicorns by 2031.

With inputs from WAM