World Government Summit: Culture and artificial intelligence can make the UAE a world leader, minister says

New report by Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development highlights the importance of developing AI technology and the arts

Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, speaks to French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe at Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Kamran Jebreili / AP

A creative economy driven by artificial intelligence will allow the UAE to be a global leader in the field, says the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, Noura Al Kaabi.

She presented a report on the future of AI driven creativity during the World Government Summit in Dubai on Monday.

The object of the Government’s strategy was to build partnerships between the public and private sectors and creative individuals, she said.

By involving as many people as possible "we can better understand how to create  new growth and new jobs,” the minister said.

The impact of artificial intelligence will fuel a growing digital economy, with “huge potential” the report says.

The Ministry of Culture has “a strategic role to play in acceleration of AI into the UAE’s creative and cultural activities,” it adds.

Funding is already being provided for AI projects that include translating content into Arabic.

“We are Cabinet of the future, and what is most important is to be ahead of the game and invent the way forward,” the minister said.

“When you look into the arts, look into music, look all the multi-genres that we are working on here in the UAE…we have amazing UAE talents, we also have great residents that are part of the scene, and that makes it richer scene. “

She referred to the recently launched UAE Cultural Development Fund, to be managed by the Ministry of Culture with the aim of encouraging and developing cultural activity across the country.

The fund was a “power tool” she said.

“Culture is not limited with age or gender or necessarily background," the minister added.

“It should be open and it should be rich.”

The report concludes that: “A strong regulatory framework based on shared values of ethics and inclusivity is necessary to ensure that the next technological wave lifts everybody with it, and builds strong, happy and successful generations for decades to come.”