UAE's Diverse Demographics Enable Adaptable AI Systems, Facilitating Faster Deployment: Minister

Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Omar Sultan Al Olama has said that the UAE's diverse population gives the country a unique advantage in developing AI systems that can be easily adapted for various markets.

Al Olama, who also serves as Deputy Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation, said when a system is deployed in the UAE, it does not face the local biases found in other regions.

The country's infrastructure allows for quick data flow into AI systems, enabling faster deployment than others. He added that the UAE has always served as a bridge between East and West, as well as North and South.

The minister highlighted this strategic position as a significant benefit for companies creating globally applicable AI systems during the 2024 Annual Meeting of Global Future Councils (AMGFC24) opening session.

"Our market depends on working with the rest of the world. We understand that conflicts will affect us, but our ambition is to control our fate. We want to build AI systems in the UAE and export them globally," Al Olama was quoted as saying by WAM.

"To date, over 400 government officials have completed specialist training, equivalent to a master's degree, in AI ethics, AI's benefits, opportunities, and the mechanisms for implementing it," he added.

Al Olama was joined by Mirek Dušek from the World Economic Forum, Masood Ahmed from the Center for Global Development, Jane Burston from the Clean Air Fund and Tolu Oni from the University of Cambridge.

The session focused on moving into the "Intelligent Age" and discussed challenges and opportunities in areas like AI, public health, climate action and economic development.

The speakers highlighted how these issues are connected and emphasized the importance of working together and being innovative to use new technologies responsibly in tackling global challenges.

Burston pointed out that aligning climate action with public health and economic benefits is essential to overcome resistance to sustainability efforts.

"As well as the economic benefits, climate action will help us breathe cleaner air. Electric vehicles will reduce noise, and greener cities are better for mental health. When we lead with the health benefits of climate action, I think more people will support it," she said.