UAE Strengthens Its Role As A Leading Destination For Future Technologies, Says Omar Al Olama

Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE's Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, highlighted the nation's forward-thinking strategy. He stated that the UAE views global changes as opportunities to enhance its position as a digital transformation hub. This was discussed during a session at the Dubai Future Forum 2025, which is attended by futurists and experts from around 100 countries.

The Dubai Future Forum, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is in its fourth edition. It is organised by the Dubai Future Foundation and is the largest gathering of futurists globally. The event continues on 18th and 19th November with over 200 speakers in more than 70 sessions covering five themes: Deep Dive into the Future, Exploring the Unknown, The Future of Societies, The Future of Health, and The Future of Systems.

Al Olama emphasised that progress thrives where there is optimism about the future. This principle guides both the UAE and Dubai's vision. He noted that the UAE has transitioned from conventional questioning to an ambitious mindset focused on "Why not?" This reflects a pioneering spirit in shaping its future through advanced technologies to boost global competitiveness.

Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard, shared insights on agentic commerce driven by AI during his session at the forum. He explained this new model involves an AI agent managing online shopping journeys for users by recommending products and completing purchases based on personal preferences and purchase history.

Miebach announced that Dubai witnessed its first payment transaction using an agentic AI system outside the US. This solution was launched by Mastercard in collaboration with Majid Al Futtaim before the forum began. He praised the UAE's dynamic ecosystem for enabling Mastercard to make bold decisions aligned with global shifts.

Miebach also stressed developing future skills and lifelong learning across sectors like payment solutions and fintech. He highlighted linking AI with safety and user trust to ensure secure usage within regulatory frameworks. According to him, the UAE maintains an exceptional balance in technology regulation.

Future-Driven Mindset

Al Olama pointed out that this shift in mindset showcases UAE's leadership in shaping its own future. By leveraging advanced technologies, it creates new opportunities that strengthen its global competitiveness. This solidifies its position as a leading model in anticipating and shaping future trends.

Miebach reflected on his decade-long experience in the UAE, noting how it enabled Mastercard to design solutions simplifying transactions worldwide. He commended the country's progressive approach empowering society to test and innovate with AI technologies.

The Dubai Future Forum serves as a platform for exploring future opportunities across various fields with participation from 2,500 experts globally. It aims to inspire development models that can influence worldwide practices through discussions held during this significant event.

With inputs from WAM