Rapper, presenter and Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am performed in Dubai on Thursday as the 2019 First Global Challenge got under way.
The Grammy Award-winning artist surprised attendees with a performance when he took to the stage at the Festival Arena to kick start the global gathering of creative minds in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence.
The event was opened officially by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.
More than 1,500 young people from over 191 countries are in the city for the event.
Sheikh Hamdan said that the gathering, and its attendance by so many young people from around the world, was intended to "spark positive change".
Today I attended the opening ceremony of @FirstGlobalDxb robotics & AI championship that we are hosting in Dubai, a regional first. 1,500 of the world’s brightest youth talents are here with a goal to spark positive change in their societies & better confront global challenges. pic.twitter.com/OXEgy0jNKh
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) October 24, 2019
.@HHShkMohd’s vision has transformed Dubai into a magnet for international talent & a platform to empower young minds. To our guests, on behalf of the people of the UAE, we say welcome to Dubai. We wish the best of success to you all & to Team UAE in this global, impactful event.
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) October 24, 2019
As well as performing several hits, Will.i.am also encouraged young people to look to technology as a way to build a better future.
"It's an exciting time to be in Dubai to celebrate excellence in technology and the achievements of the world's most motivated, smartest young people who are part of the FIRST Global robotics community," said the musician.
"While every school has a football pitch, very few students will ever become professional athletes. In contrast, every school, in every country should have a FIRST robotics programme so that every student can become a tech star and an active member of the digital economy," added Will.i.am.
Music aside, the 44-year-old is the founder of artificial intelligence company I.AM+, a role which also saw him travel to Dubai earlier this year for the World Government Summit. He is also the head of the i.am.angel Foundation. The organisation works to improve lives through education, inspiration and opportunity.
