UAE's Omar Sultan Al Olama Highlights Strategic Role In AI Development At Global Future Councils 2024

The UAE's strategic location as a bridge between East and West, as well as North and South, was highlighted by Omar Sultan Al Olama. He is the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. During the opening of the 2024 Annual Meeting of Global Future Councils (AMGFC24), he emphasised this position as crucial for developing globally applicable AI systems.

Al Olama pointed out that the UAE's diverse population offers a unique advantage in creating adaptable AI systems. "When you deploy something in the UAE, it doesn’t suffer from the local biases found in other places. Our infrastructure enables the rapid flow of data into AI systems, allowing us to deploy them faster than others," he stated.

The UAE is committed to technological leadership despite global geopolitical challenges. Al Olama remarked, "Our market depends on working with the rest of the world. We understand that conflicts will affect us, but our ambition is to control our fate. We want to build AI systems in the UAE and export them globally."

Investment in human capital is also a priority for the UAE. Over 400 government officials have completed specialist training equivalent to a master’s degree in AI ethics and implementation mechanisms. This effort aims to prepare the workforce for adopting AI technologies effectively.

The session at AMGFC24 explored transitioning to an 'Intelligent Age,' focusing on AI challenges and opportunities across public health, climate action, and economic development. Mirek Dušek from the World Economic Forum joined Al Olama alongside Masood Ahmed from the Center for Global Development, Jane Burston from Clean Air Fund, and Tolu Oni from Cambridge University.

Burston stressed aligning climate action with public health and economic benefits to overcome resistance to sustainability measures. "As well as the economic benefits, climate action will help us breathe cleaner air. Electric vehicles will reduce noise, and greener cities are better for mental health," she said.

Climate Action and Economic Growth

Ahmed emphasised decarbonising economic growth while ensuring affordable financing for green initiatives in emerging markets. "One thing is very clear: we can't continue with a growth strategy that clashes with our climate goals," he stated.

He also highlighted political action's importance: "Where we fall short is in political ambition and urgency. If 80 percent of the infrastructure in emerging markets over the next 50 years is going to be built in the next 15, making the right choices now in terms of financing and technology is critical."

Health Considerations Across Sectors

Tolu Oni addressed social and environmental factors impacting health: "80 percent of factors that influence our health lie outside of healthcare." She advocated integrating health considerations across sectors using digital technologies to democratise data collection and promote accountability.

The AMGFC24 event hosted by the UAE Government with WEF runs from 15th to 17th October in Dubai. It features 30 councils with over 700 participants from 80 countries, including experts shaping the agenda for WEF's 2025 Annual Meeting in Davos.

With inputs from WAM