• The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi in October 2019. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi in October 2019. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • From left to right Peng Xiao, Professor Daniela Rus, Professor Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and chairman of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees, Professor Sir Michael Brady, Professor Anil K Jain and Dr Kai-Fu Lee at the launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence.
    From left to right Peng Xiao, Professor Daniela Rus, Professor Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and chairman of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees, Professor Sir Michael Brady, Professor Anil K Jain and Dr Kai-Fu Lee at the launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence.
  • The first classes were scheduled to begin in September 2020 but have now been postponed to January 2021.
    The first classes were scheduled to begin in September 2020 but have now been postponed to January 2021.
  • As the first university to have a singular focus on AI, the institution aims to attract students from around the world to advance the technology and propel the UAE’s economic diversification efforts.
    As the first university to have a singular focus on AI, the institution aims to attract students from around the world to advance the technology and propel the UAE’s economic diversification efforts.
  • At the launch, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said the "invention of electricity, the railroad, smartphones all transformed the world as we knew it. AI can lead to an ever-greater societal and economic transformation."
    At the launch, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said the "invention of electricity, the railroad, smartphones all transformed the world as we knew it. AI can lead to an ever-greater societal and economic transformation."
  • Omar Al Olama, the UAE's Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence at the launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi.
    Omar Al Olama, the UAE's Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence at the launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi.
  • Dr Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Falasi, Minister of Higher Education.
    Dr Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Falasi, Minister of Higher Education.
  • AI is expected to add 14 per cent to the world’s gross domestic product by 2030, equivalent to $15.7 trillion (Dh57.7tn), according to business consultancy PwC.
    AI is expected to add 14 per cent to the world’s gross domestic product by 2030, equivalent to $15.7 trillion (Dh57.7tn), according to business consultancy PwC.
  • The UAE ranks 19th worldwide on the government AI readiness index, first in the region, according to Oxford Insights.
    The UAE ranks 19th worldwide on the government AI readiness index, first in the region, according to Oxford Insights.
  • With the opening of MBZUAI, AI research will be both common and local in the UAE.
    With the opening of MBZUAI, AI research will be both common and local in the UAE.
  • Professor Sir Michael Brady and Dr Sultan Al Jaber.
    Professor Sir Michael Brady and Dr Sultan Al Jaber.
  • The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber.
    Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber.
  • The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
    The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
  • L-R Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Falasi and Omar Al Olama.
    L-R Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Falasi and Omar Al Olama.
  • The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
    The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
  • The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
    The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.

Artificial intelligence to be UAE's top sector over next decade, survey finds


Anam Rizvi
  • English
  • Arabic

Artificial intelligence is being tipped to be the UAE's most important industry over the next 10 years, with universities urged to step up efforts to prepare the next generation of high-tech workers.

The fast-rising sector was ranked ahead of construction, electronics, aerospace, robotics, design engineering and IT and cybersecurity in a poll of technology and engineering employees in the Emirates.

The UAE government is driving forwards with ambitious plans to establish itself as a global AI hub.

In 2017, the country appointed Omar Al Olama as its first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and later adopted the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 to promote the growth of the cutting-edge technology.

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi was established in 2019 to develop the skills of top talent from across the world to lead workplaces of the future.

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The survey, commissioned by the UK-based Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and carried out by YouGov, polled 325 employers and employees in the UAE in December 2021 and January 2022.

Julian Young, IET president, said artificial intelligence would most certainly continue to grow in prominence.

“Alongside that, I would almost add everything to do with digitalisation. Everything in the future in a highly advanced technological community, will be about digitalisation and getting computers to do far more work for us," said Mr Young.

“So if one has a skilled workforce in this field, one would be able to make a profitable company and a profitable organisation — and be a truly global player.

“I'm not surprised to see that these are the skill sets that are required in three years' time, that these are the skill sets required in 10 years' time.

Sir Julian Young, President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, said artificial intelligence would most certainly continue to grow in prominence. Photo: the Institution of Engineering and Technology
Sir Julian Young, President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, said artificial intelligence would most certainly continue to grow in prominence. Photo: the Institution of Engineering and Technology

"If you pick up artificial intelligence and then think about the type of courses that people are undertaking. Do we need courses in artificial intelligence? Yes, of course. But in the more traditional areas of engineering, mechanical, electrical, electronic aerospace, there needs to be a digital component."

He said all of the traditional industries need digital and software and computer science inputs to be able to make the best of their workforce.

Education must keep pace with career trends

Ian Mercer, head of international operations for the Institution of Engineering and Technology, said universities could use the findings to ensure their courses run parallel to the immediate and future demands of the economy.

"If I were an academician, then I would be thinking, 'if that's where the where the industry is going to go then the courses that we're going to offer to students probably need to be ramped up to be where the need is going to be'," Mr Mercer said.

"At the end of the day, universities want jobs to be available for the people that they put through the system.

"If you look at the the ambitions of the UAE government, they want to become a tech hub of the world."

He said that in a post-oil and gas economy, technology may be one of the main workforce providers in the region.

  • A graduation ceremony at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    A graduation ceremony at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Jamal Al Kaabi ,undersecretary at the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi.
    Jamal Al Kaabi ,undersecretary at the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi.
  • Ameera Ali Bawazir, a master's student of machine learning, speaks at the event.
    Ameera Ali Bawazir, a master's student of machine learning, speaks at the event.
  • Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of cybersecurity for the UAE Government.
    Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of cybersecurity for the UAE Government.
  • Graduates at the ceremony in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.
    Graduates at the ceremony in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.
  • Professor Fakhri Karray, provost at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.
    Professor Fakhri Karray, provost at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.
  • The graduation ceremony.
    The graduation ceremony.
  • Thuraya Al Hashimi, executive director of the digital data enabling sector at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs.
    Thuraya Al Hashimi, executive director of the digital data enabling sector at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs.
  • Eric Xing, president of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.
    Eric Xing, president of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.

The UAE is continuing to explore ways in which artificial intelligence can be used to boost business, make government departments more agile and efficient, and support health services.

Artificial intelligence could soon be used to tailor UAE government employees’ working hours to their own personal productivity.

The initiative, which is being studied by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, is one of a host of practical applications for AI in everyday life.

In March, 41 business leaders who took a three-month course at Mohamed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence, celebrated their graduation.

The course aimed to support UAE government and business sectors. Participants were required to complete 12 rigorous weeks of coursework, lectures and collaborative project work.

Dr Jamal Al Kaabi, undersecretary at the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, joined the programme after the Covid-19 pandemic made him realise the potential of artificial intelligence.

He believes wearable technology and AI could be crucial in providing home services and follow-up care for the elderly.

The specs: 2018 Audi Q5/SQ5

Price, base: Dh183,900 / Dh249,000
Engine: 2.0L, turbocharged in-line four-cylinder /  3.0L, turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic / Eight-speed automatic
Power: 252hp @ 5,000rpm / 354hp @ 5,400rpm
Torque: 370Nm @ 1,600rpm / 500Nm @ 1,370rpm
Fuel economy: combined 7.2L / 100km / 8.3L / 100km

War

Director: Siddharth Anand

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Ashutosh Rana, Vaani Kapoor

Rating: Two out of five stars 

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Marathon results

Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

MO
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Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

THE SPECS

Cadillac XT6 2020 Premium Luxury

Engine:  3.6L V-6

Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 310hp

Torque: 367Nm

Price: Dh280,000

A general guide to how active you are:

Less than 5,000 steps - sedentary

5,000 - 9,999 steps - lightly active

10,000  - 12,500 steps - active

12,500 - highly active

Where to buy

Limited-edition art prints of The Sofa Series: Sultani can be acquired from Reem El Mutwalli at www.reemelmutwalli.com

Company profile

Company name: Suraasa

Started: 2018

Founders: Rishabh Khanna, Ankit Khanna and Sahil Makker

Based: India, UAE and the UK

Industry: EdTech

Initial investment: More than $200,000 in seed funding

ELECTION%20RESULTS
%3Cp%3EMacron%E2%80%99s%20Ensemble%20group%20won%20245%20seats.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20second-largest%20group%20in%20parliament%20is%20Nupes%2C%20a%20leftist%20coalition%20led%20by%20Jean-Luc%20Melenchon%2C%20which%20gets%20131%20lawmakers.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20far-right%20National%20Rally%20fared%20much%20better%20than%20expected%20with%2089%20seats.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20centre-right%20Republicans%20and%20their%20allies%20took%2061.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Brutalist

Director: Brady Corbet

Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn

Rating: 3.5/5

RESULT

Uruguay 3 Russia 0
Uruguay:
 Suárez (10'), Cheryshev (23' og), Cavani (90')
Russia: Smolnikov (Red card: 36')

Man of the match: Diego Godin (Uruguay)

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015

- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France

What is a robo-adviser?

Robo-advisers use an online sign-up process to gauge an investor’s risk tolerance by feeding information such as their age, income, saving goals and investment history into an algorithm, which then assigns them an investment portfolio, ranging from more conservative to higher risk ones.

These portfolios are made up of exchange traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to indices such as US and global equities, fixed-income products like bonds, though exposure to real estate, commodity ETFs or gold is also possible.

Investing in ETFs allows robo-advisers to offer fees far lower than traditional investments, such as actively managed mutual funds bought through a bank or broker. Investors can buy ETFs directly via a brokerage, but with robo-advisers they benefit from investment portfolios matched to their risk tolerance as well as being user friendly.

Many robo-advisers charge what are called wrap fees, meaning there are no additional fees such as subscription or withdrawal fees, success fees or fees for rebalancing.

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

'My Son'

Director: Christian Carion

Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis

Rating: 2/5

'Munich: The Edge of War'

Director: Christian Schwochow

Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons

Rating: 3/5

Results

5.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Al Battar, Mickael Barzalona (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer).

6.05pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,200m; Winner: Good Fighter, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

6.40pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Way Of Wisdom, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.

7.15pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 2,200m; Winner: Immortalised, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.

7.50pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Franz Kafka, James Doyle, Simon Crisford.

8.25pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: Mayadeen, Connor Beasley, Doug Watson.

9pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Chiefdom, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer

TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20WATCH%20SERIES%208
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2041mm%2C%20352%20x%20430%3B%2045mm%2C%20396%20x%20484%3B%20Retina%20LTPO%20OLED%2C%20up%20to%201000%20nits%2C%20always-on%3B%20Ion-X%20glass%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20S8%2C%20W3%20wireless%2C%20U1%20ultra-wideband%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2032GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20watchOS%209%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHealth%20metrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203rd-gen%20heart%20rate%20sensor%2C%20temperature%20sensing%2C%20ECG%2C%20blood%20oxygen%2C%20workouts%2C%20fall%2Fcrash%20detection%3B%20emergency%20SOS%2C%20international%20emergency%20calling%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20GPS%2FGPS%20%2B%20cellular%3B%20Wi-Fi%2C%20LTE%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Apple%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP6X%2C%20water%20resistant%20up%20to%2050m%2C%20dust%20resistant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20308mAh%20Li-ion%2C%20up%20to%2018h%2C%20wireless%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20eSIM%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinishes%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Aluminium%20%E2%80%93%20midnight%2C%20Product%20Red%2C%20silver%2C%20starlight%3B%20stainless%20steel%20%E2%80%93%20gold%2C%20graphite%2C%20silver%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Watch%20Series%208%2C%20magnetic-to-USB-C%20charging%20cable%2C%20band%2Floop%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Starts%20at%20Dh1%2C599%20(41mm)%20%2F%20Dh1%2C999%20(45mm)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: May 20, 2022, 5:20 AM