UAE President establishes AI and Advanced Technology Council

The UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC).

The council will be responsible for developing and implementing policies and strategies related to research, infrastructure and investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology in Abu Dhabi, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

The establishment of the AIATC reflects a strong belief in the importance of technological leadership in building the economy of the future,” the state-run news agency said.

The council will develop plans and research programmes in collaboration with local and global partners to advance Abu Dhabi’s status in the fields of AI and advanced technology. It complements the emirate’s strategy to position the city as a world-leading hub for investments, partnerships, and talent in the sector.

The council will contribute to enhancing and ensuring the continued development and prosperity of the post-hydrocarbon economy.

Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been appointed Chairman of the AIATC and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will serve as the council’s Vice Chairman.

UAE’s AI push

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai launched the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) in June 2023.

The new centre aims to assist government entities in deploying future technologies across key sectors.

“Technological development is moving very rapidly, and in Dubai, we are determined to be just as fast in testing and harnessing it for the benefit of society,” Sheikh Hamdan said at the time of the launch.

The Dubai Centre for AI aims to launch dozens of pilot projects and improve government services while increasing the productivity of government employees and supporting more than 20 local and global advanced technology startups.

The UAE’s adoption of AI comes at a time when the generative AI sector is expected to expand from $10bn in 2022 to $110.8bn by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 34.3 per cent.

Read: Sheikh Hamdan launches Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence