Dubai is steadily reinforcing its position as a global centre for cutting-edge technology and a major centre for digital business models and transformational initiatives, said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.
The Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the emirate's Executive Council was speaking during the second meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, the Dubai Media Office said on Sunday.
“Dubai is proactively developing plans to accelerate digital growth and adopt new technologies through collaborative partnerships among government entities, international corporations and the broader private sector,” Sheikh Hamdan, who is chairman of the committee, said.
Dubai is seeking to cement its position as a global capital of the digital economy.
The national digital economy is expected to grow to more than $140 billion in 2031, up from today’s nearly $38 billion, according to a recent report by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers.
The UAE Cabinet approved the formation of the Higher Committee for Government Digital Transformation last year as the country presses forward with plans to develop a digital economy and make use of future technology.
Dubai announced the formation of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy in July last year to focus on developing the sector. The goal of the new body is “to promote Dubai's supremacy in the digital economy globally”, Sheikh Hamdan said at the time.
The eight-member committee will supervise the carrying out of strategies relating to the digital economy and future technology in Dubai.
It will aim to help to shape the future of artificial intelligence by investing in the metaverse and establishing partnerships to boost Dubai’s digital economy.
The meeting on Sunday was also attended by Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Digital Economy, AI and Remote Working System, chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and vice chairman of the committee.
Other members of the committee also attended the meeting. These include Helal Al Marri, director general of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; Hamad Al Mansouri, director general of the Dubai Digital Authority; Khalfan Belhoul, chief executive of the Dubai Future Foundation; Ahmed bin Byat, vice chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy; Malek Al Malek, director general of the Dubai Development Authority and chairman of Tecom Group; and Arif Amiri, chief executive of the Dubai International Financial Centre.
They took stock of recent advancements in the digital field and explored ways to achieve the objectives of the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, which aims to create 40,000 jobs and add $4 billion to the emirate's economy in the next five years, and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, with a target of reaching Dh32 trillion ($8.71 trillion) by 2033 and establishing the emirate among the top three global cities.
They also discussed the development of Dubai’s digital infrastructure, digital readiness and ways to use its high internet usage rates to take advantage of new opportunities in the sector.
Further, members of the committee discussed plans and recommendations to achieve Dubai’s digital economy goals.
The committee will design policies and analyse trends for the digital economy and future technology, including the metaverse, AI, blockchain, Web3, virtual reality, augmented reality, the Internet of Things, data centres and cloud computing in Dubai.
It will also seek to attract international companies and conferences specialising in future technology and the digital economy.
The National photo project
Chris Whiteoak, a photographer at The National, spent months taking some of Jacqui Allan's props around the UAE, positioning them perfectly in front of some of the country's most recognisable landmarks. He placed a pirate on Kite Beach, in front of the Burj Al Arab, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland at the Burj Khalifa, and brought one of Allan's snails (Freddie, which represents her grandfather) to the Dubai Frame. In Abu Dhabi, a dinosaur went to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet. And a flamingo was taken all the way to the Hatta Mountains. This special project suitably brings to life the quirky nature of Allan's prop shop (and Allan herself!).
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 290hp
Torque: 340Nm
Price: Dh155,800
On sale: now
Dr Graham's three goals
Short term
Establish logistics and systems needed to globally deploy vaccines
Intermediate term
Build biomedical workforces in low- and middle-income nations
Long term
A prototype pathogen approach for pandemic preparedness
Series result
1st ODI Zimbabwe won by 6 wickets
2nd ODI Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
3rd ODI Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets
4th ODI Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets
5th ODI Zimbabwe won by 3 wickets
Day 1, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Sadeera Samarawickrama set pulses racing with his strokeplay on his introduction to Test cricket. It reached a feverish peak when he stepped down the wicket and launched Yasir Shah, who many regard as the world’s leading spinner, back over his head for six. No matter that he was out soon after: it felt as though the future had arrived.
Stat of the day - 5 The last time Sri Lanka played a Test in Dubai – they won here in 2013 – they had four players in their XI who were known as wicketkeepers. This time they have gone one better. Each of Dinesh Chandimal, Kaushal Silva, Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella – the nominated gloveman here – can keep wicket.
The verdict Sri Lanka want to make history by becoming the first team to beat Pakistan in a full Test series in the UAE. They could not have made a better start, first by winning the toss, then by scoring freely on an easy-paced pitch. The fact Yasir Shah found some turn on Day 1, too, will have interested their own spin bowlers.
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'
Director:Michael Lehmann
Stars:Kristen Bell
Rating: 1/5
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The specs
Engine: 3.6 V6
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Power: 295bhp
Torque: 353Nm
Price: Dh155,000
On sale: now
THE SPECS
Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Engine: 5-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 680Nm
Price: Dh465,071
