Davos, Switzerland – Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a buzzword; it’s the driving force of the future, and the UAE is at the forefront of harnessing its potential. This was the message delivered by Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, at the World Economic Forum.
“The rapid growth of the global generative AI market is a clear indicator of its power,” Al Olama declared. This, he believes, strengthens the UAE’s decades-long vision of embracing and developing Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions, particularly AI.
The session, titled “Is artificial intelligence considered a driver of the fourth industrial revolution?”, saw Al Olama joined by other tech giants like Qualcomm’s CEO and IBM’s President. Together, they explored the transformative potential of AI and the challenges it presents.
Al Olama emphasized the crucial role of international cooperation in navigating the AI landscape of AI. Platforms like the World Economic Forum provide fertile ground for governments to share solutions and prepare for the future, he argued.
“The decisions we make today will shape the lives of future generations,” he stated. “Governments must keep pace with global changes and design innovative strategies to adapt to the rapid developments in AI.”
The UAE is leading by example, Al Olama highlighted. Its diverse population, advanced digital infrastructure, and flexible legal framework make it a breeding ground for AI innovation. He pointed to the country’s annual “Emirates Programming Day” and AI curriculum integration in schools as testaments to its commitment to building a digitally skilled society.
Al Olama stressed the need for a global effort to maximize the benefits of AI while mitigating its potential risks. He called for partnerships between governments and tech companies to ensure responsible development and ethical application of this powerful technology.
The session concluded with a discussion on the impact AI will have on global value chains, similar to how the steam engine revolutionized the 19th century.