New artificial intelligence network to boost UAE's role as 'global leader' in field

Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, announces plans to bring public and private sector together to drive forward technology vision

Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, announced the launch of a new network to support the country's technology strategy. Pawan Singh / The National

The UAE launched a new initiative to boost the country's status as a "global leader" in artificial intelligence.

The project, titled the UAE AI Network,will bring together public and private sector organisations and academic institutions to help shape the nation's ambitious strategy to successfully integrate the technology.

"The UAE has made significant growth in its AI development and adoption road map globally, by connecting governments, private entities and international organisations to provide supportive platforms for this technology," said Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, after launching the initiative.

“The UAE AI Network is a concrete step towards achieving our leadership’s vision in positioning the UAE as a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2031, as well as developing an integrated system that employs artificial intelligence in vital areas in the UAE.”

He said the project sought to bring together governments, private entities, international organisations, start-ups, research centres, academic institutions, business incubators and accelerators under one roof to discuss AI.

Mr Al Olama said there would be a host of events, both at local and international levels, for members of the network to take part in.

The programme , he said, would be a key step in realising the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

The ethos of the strategy was “to embrace and accelerate the employment of AI and achieve tangible progress in all areas of business, life and government services”, he said.