In a major boost to its technology goals, the UAE government has approved the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, a blueprint to consolidate the country’s leading position on the global technological map.
The plan was launched at a cabinet meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, attended by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi.
The ambitious strategy includes eight strategic objectives, a number of initiatives and plans aimed at employing artificial intelligence in vital areas such as education, government services and the community well-being. The strategy implementation is being overseen by the Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions, in coordination with several local and federal entities.
Sheikh Mohammed said technology was vital to the progress and development of the country. “We have launched a national strategy for artificial intelligence to make technology an integral part of our business, our lives and our government services,” H.H added.
The eight objectives of the strategy include: Reaffirming UAE’s position as a global hub for artificial intelligence, increasing the competitive edge of the AI sector in the UAE, establishing an incubator for AI innovations, employing AI in the field of customer services to improve the quality of life, attracting and training talents for jobs of the future, attracting leading research capabilities, providing a data-driven infrastructure to support AI experiments, and optimizing AI governance and regulations.
The ten-member UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence is chaired by Omar Al Olama, who was appointed Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in 2017.
For a long time now, the UAE has been leading the way in the seamless and innovative adoption of technology into its everyday life, and the national strategy is expected to provide fillip to the country’s development goals.
