The world finds itself at an interesting juncture, as AI develops rapidly and transforms industries at a pace not witnessed before. This has been further catalysed following the introduction of generative AI, which is projected to make an economic impact of $23.5 billion in the Gulf by 2030, according to recently published research by PwC.
All six Gulf countries have been proactive in seeking investments and building strategic partnerships, demonstrating commitment to technological innovation as a whole. In fact, governments across the region have placed AI at the heart of their broader national visions. AI is a crucial component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. The UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and Oman’s National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies are other powerful examples.
Countries in the region been committed to incorporating AI in their smart city plans. The highly anticipated Neom city in Saudi Arabia, for example, is poised to be a futuristic city with AI-powered solutions in optimising transportation, utilities and various public services.
However, even though AI has been adopted in a number of areas and continues to expand in the region, there is room for further investment that will empower countries to be able to capitalise on opportunities set to emerge from the upcoming technological revolution.
Citizens’ trust is a key driver in implementing AI. Gulf countries report high levels of trust between citizens and governments, and paired with widespread digitalisation, this helps to set the stage for the region to adopt AI products in myriad spaces. However, there are risks associated with this new realm, presenting the need for an elaborate ecosystem and processes that ensure safe and optimal use of these technologies across all sectors.
The first step would be to further strengthen the institutions that are in place to regulate the use of AI in various domains. This is particularly challenging given the rapid speed at which AI is evolving. At the Gulf Co-operation Council’s Prosecutors Meeting in October, Bahrain’s attorney general, Ali bin Fadhel Al Buainain, proposed unified AI laws for the region. This could very well be the best way forward.
The EU’s AI Act, the world’s first legal framework that addresses risks that could stem from the AI revolution, follows a risk-based approach. This means that all AI systems that present clear threats to safety, livelihood and rights of humans are banned, whereas high-risk systems are subject to scrutiny before they are put in use. Limited-risk AI applications are allowed as long as there is transparency, while low or minimal-risk systems are free to be used.
This legal framework serves as a useful benchmark. However, it is important to consider the nuances of the socio-cultural and political environments in the region in order to ensure that AI is being used ethically and safely in the region.
The mitigation of risks associated with AI is an area that can be looked at. One way for Gulf countries to establish relevant laws and ethical guidelines would be to appoint regional and local committees of experts that can follow the industry and reduce possibilities of any harm. In this regard, it would help for the region’s governments to nurture relationships with global leaders in the field as well as regulatory boards in other parts of the world.
Second, it is crucial for the Gulf to continue investing in infrastructure to meet the burgeoning demand for AI. The need for more data centres as well as specialised chips – which are now in short supply – is especially high.
Data centres have been described as “nerve centres of the digital economy”. It is, therefore, imperative for countries to continue investing in them and ensuring that they support national economic growth. Furthermore, it is important to keep an eye on sustainability in this realm of development, given that data centres are energy-intensive structures, such as seeking green solutions.
Khazna Data Centres, a telecommunications contractor in the UAE, is addressing this specific aspect by investing in a plant that will use solar energy for its data centre extension in Masdar City. There is immense scope for other companies to use such strategies; given the many interesting renewable projects under way across the region, and the potential to reap benefits such as optimum levels of solar energy, there is capacity to ensure that the growth of these data centres is environmentally sustainable.
Third, Gulf countries will fully embrace the AI revolution with ever closer engagement with youth and the broader workforce. In order to seamlessly and safely integrate AI in businesses, there will always be a need for specialised and ongoing training.
This involves already existing educational institutions working in conjunction with market leaders to ensure that graduates are prepared to enter the rapidly transforming job market. The establishment of the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi in 2019 is an example of the kind of forward thinking that is required to prepare the next generation of AI talent, be it entrepreneurs or professionals.
Gulf countries have come a long way in embracing a phenomenon as transformative as AI in such a short span of time. The next would be for them to use the available resources wisely and proactively to mitigate any associated risks.
I don’t doubt that the region will fare well in this new era of the digital age, and I look forward to witnessing continued innovation and growth resulting from the combined efforts of our wise leaders, hardworking governments and dedicated citizens.
