UAE President Establishes Artificial Intelligence Council

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step towards becoming a global leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies. President and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, recently signed a law to form the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC). This move underscores the UAE’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement.

AIATC: Steering UAE’s Technological Vision

The AIATC, under the new law, is set to play a pivotal role in guiding the UAE’s AI journey. Its responsibilities extend to managing the formulation and execution of AI strategies, ensuring their integration into various sectors like research, infrastructure, and investment initiatives. The council’s creation is a strategic endeavor to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position in the AI domain, aligning with the emirate’s aspiration to emerge as an investment, partnership, and talent haven in advanced technology.

Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been appointed as the AIATC’s chairman, with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan serving as the Vice Chairman. These appointments highlight the UAE leadership’s dedication to nurturing a tech-savvy governance framework.

The UAE’s Technological Trajectory and Global Partnerships

Spanning beyond policy-making, the AIATC aims to foster local and international collaborations to advance AI research and development. This collaboration seeks to elevate Abu Dhabi’s status in the global AI landscape and mirrors the emirate’s ongoing efforts to become a central hub for advanced technology.

The UAE’s technological journey is not new. The country has consistently welcomed technological innovations, aiming to position itself as a leader in the global tech arena. This vision was evident in 2018 when the Emirates Blockchain Strategy was announced, focusing on accelerating blockchain technology adoption.

In March 2022, another significant milestone was achieved when Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, established the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) to regulate the burgeoning crypto and digital assets sector. This move was followed by the launch of the Dubai Metaverse Strategy in July 2022, which is designed to create over 40,000 virtual jobs by 2030.

UAE and AI: Towards a Future-Ready Economy

The UAE’s focus on AI technology has been intensifying. On August 15, 2023, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) started offering commercial licenses to AI and Web3 businesses at substantially reduced costs. According to DIFC Innovation Hub CEO Mohammad Alblooshi, this initiative is a strategic step to attract global talent and investment to the region.

Enhancing its commitment to AI and Web3 technologies, the UAE also launched a specialized free economic zone. On October 19, 2023, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) introduced the RAK digital assets oasis (DAO), focusing on Web3, digital assets, and AI. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a conducive environment for technological innovation and entrepreneurship.