AI For Social Impact Discussed At Dubai Forum On Project Management And Governance

The session "AI for Humanity – Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Social Impact" explored how artificial intelligence supports societies, protects infrastructure and improves public services. Speakers linked AI deployment with cybersecurity, ethics and measurable social value. The event formed part of the Dubai International Project Management Forum, organised by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Moderated by Alexandra Topalian, International Conference Chair and Panel Moderator, the session brought together experts from cybersecurity, academic research and AI entrepreneurship. They discussed how artificial intelligence can help governments and organisations manage risks while improving project planning, service delivery and innovation. The conversation focused on real-world applications rather than theoretical concepts.

Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council, explained that the national cybersecurity strategy relies on clear policies that build skills, protect every user and encourage innovation. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti said people remain the first defence line, while artificial intelligence tools strengthen security, safety and long-term prosperity across national systems.

According to Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, cyber threats are constantly adapting and now include fraud schemes, online scams, ransomware, cyberbullying, organised defamation campaigns and cyberterrorism. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti highlighted cyber warfare as one of the most serious current challenges and called for strong protection of national assets and sectors that depend on artificial intelligence.

Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti noted that the UAE’s cultural diversity and cooperation with start-ups have supported major gains in cybersecurity and AI adoption. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti encouraged companies and markets to use the many innovation accelerators operating across the UAE, where teams can test new artificial intelligence ideas and upgrade capabilities for complex project management.

Artificial intelligence for public good and social impact

Dr Ebtesam Almazrouei, CEO and Founder of AIE3 and Head of the United Nations initiative AI for Public Good, stated that the concept of "AI for public good" must be implemented in practice. Dr Ebtesam Almazrouei referred to UAE Government digital transformation projects that design people-centric systems and track impact across healthcare, education and infrastructure.

Dr Ebtesam Almazrouei highlighted Abu Dhabi Government’s use of artificial intelligence in healthcare through a genome project that screens newborns for genetic conditions. This programme, Dr Ebtesam Almazrouei explained, aims to detect health risks early, guide treatment planning and build data that can inform wider public health strategies within the UAE and beyond.

Human capabilities, ethics and artificial intelligence

Dr Hugh Herr, Professor at the MIT Media Lab, described how artificial intelligence can extend human capabilities, including creativity and physical performance. Dr Hugh Herr stressed that robust data protection and strict ethical safeguards are essential, and expected artificial intelligence to play a leading role in future creative work under a clearly defined ethical framework.

The session showed how artificial intelligence is already shaping cybersecurity, healthcare, project management and human augmentation, while also raising questions about responsibility and governance. Speakers agreed that progress depends on strong ethics, public trust and collaboration, supported by the UAE’s innovation programmes and regulatory frameworks that link technology with measurable social benefit.

With inputs from WAM