The Gitex Global 2024 event underscored the importance of digital transformation and technology investments, with AI emerging as a central theme. The UAE is set to become a global leader in artificial intelligence, driven by a visionary plan to integrate AI across all sectors. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is dedicated to making the UAE the most prepared nation for AI. This commitment is supported by strategic investments and initiatives aimed at reshaping the nation's economy and society.
Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce, the UAE is heavily investing in AI education. The government, led by Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, is implementing programs focused on youth development and STEM education. These initiatives include funding for student-focused boot camps and enhanced academic curricula that emphasize AI and technology. By nurturing a new generation of skilled professionals, the UAE aims to establish itself as a hub for innovation and expertise in artificial intelligence.
As the UAE embraces the transformative power of AI, it is equally committed to ensuring its deployment is ethical and responsible. The introduction of an international AI policy highlights the nation's focus on aligning technological advancements with societal values. Al Marri emphasizes the need for AI to enhance people's lives while addressing ethical, social, and environmental concerns. This balanced approach seeks to drive innovation while positioning the UAE as a leader in global discussions on responsible AI usage, fostering an environment where technology serves humanity.
The UAE is also making significant strides in AI infrastructure, currently possessing the 36th most powerful high-performance computer in the world. The private sector dominates the UAE's AI ecosystem, owning 89 per cent of the total AI-related processing power. Academic institutions like NYU Abu Dhabi are home to large-scale systems, such as “Dalma,” a supercomputer with over 870 CPUs and 30 GPUs. Our survey identified more than ten high-end AI systems owned by the government, academia, and private sectors, showcasing the UAE's growing capabilities in this field.
The 44th edition of Gitex Global, held from October 14-18, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Harbour, featured an unprecedented exhibition space of over 40 halls, with more than 6,500 exhibitors and 1,800 emerging companies from over 180 countries. This year's event emphasized digital transformation and investment in technology, with AI taking centre stage. The exhibition showcased groundbreaking proposals for AI-powered autonomous vehicles, including XPeng AeroHT’s eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) flying cars, marking a potential revolution in urban mobility.
Dubai Police presented its latest innovations, including the “Digital Twin for Tourist Police,” an AI-powered platform enhancing the tourist experience by providing real-time assistance. With over 120 hours of debates and panels, Gitex 2024 explored AI's transformative potential across various sectors, emphasizing the need for collaboration to address global challenges.
The Abu Dhabi Government pavilion showcased over 30 government and academic entities, unveiling a range of innovative digital solutions and AI-enabled projects. This initiative highlighted the emirate's commitment to providing next-generation AI-enabled government services. The pavilion attracted significant attention from global technology leaders, featuring discussions on governance, cybersecurity, and customer experience.
Sharjah's pavilion, under the theme "Towards a Sustainable Digital Future," presented 18 innovative projects that showcased the latest in digital services and technological advancements. The emphasis was on creating an integrated digital ecosystem to support sustainable economic development, with significant participation from various government entities.
As the nation moves forward, the focus remains on harnessing AI's potential while ensuring ethical frameworks guide its integration into society. The future of AI in the UAE looks promising, paving the way for a new era of technological excellence and transformative growth.
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