Dubai’s DET appoints Dr Marwan Alzarouni as CEO of AI

image credit: Sourced from DET/LinkedIn

In a strategic move to bolster its artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has announced the appointment of Dr Marwan Alzarouni as its chief executive officer of AI.

This appointment is a pivotal step in advancing Dubai’s AI blueprint, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its residents and enriching the experiences of its visitors, said DET.

This announcement follows a directive by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, who recently declared the appointment of 22 chief AI officers across various government entities in Dubai.

Dr Alzarouni expressed his vision for Dubai’s AI future, emphasising the impact on everyday life, “Our AI initiatives are dedicated to prioritising the well-being and experiences of Dubai’s residents and visitors.”

“By harnessing advanced technologies, we strive to create a smarter, more sustainable, and enjoyable urban environment. Every innovation we introduce is designed to directly contribute to improving the daily lives of our community.”

Dubai’s ‘Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence’

The initiative to appoint chief AI officers across government bodies is part of a broader strategy to integrate cutting-edge AI technologies into the fabric of Dubai’s governance.

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the importance of these appointments: “This initiative will enhance Dubai’s progress and expertise in the AI sector and consolidate its position as a leader in creating innovative solutions built on advanced technology.”

These officers are tasked with spearheading specialised AI and advanced technology programmes aimed at elevating government performance.

The Dubai Center for Artificial Intelligence, operating under the Dubai Future Foundation, has been instrumental in evaluating and selecting candidates for these crucial roles.

These efforts are the cornerstone of Dubai’s vision for the future of government operations, aligning with the ambitious goals set out in the Dubai’s ‘Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence’.

Read: Sheikh Hamdan reveals Dubai’s ‘Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence’

The initial phase of this blueprint includes launching AI and Web3 incubators, fast-tracking the allocation of land for data centers, and introducing a new commercial license specifically for AI businesses.

Additionally, an AI Week will be organised in educational institutions to foster a culture of innovation and technology.

Dr Alzarouni is one of the first AI CEOs appointed as part of this initiative, setting a precedent for other government entities in Dubai.

The plan includes appointing chief AI officers in several key departments, such as the Community Development Authority, Dubai Government Human Resources Department, Dubai Customs, Dubai Police, The Judicial Council, and Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, among others.

Read: Dr Marwan Alzarouni joins Everdome as official advisor