The AI Retreat 2024, organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) in collaboration with the National Program for Artificial Intelligence, marked the launch of a joint business incubator programme by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and Meta.
The new programme aims to explore how Large Language Models (LLMs) can be leveraged to support product and service innovation across industries, while inspiring the development of impactful AI use-cases that leverage Meta’s open source AI stack to help solve real world problems, unlock economic value and contribute to overall economic growth.
The announcement of the programme, which adopts Meta's AI model "LLAMA 3", was well-received by participants, including industry leaders, experts, and global companies at the AI Retreat in Dubai. The programme particularly resonated with creative thinkers, future technology entrepreneurs, and founders of startups and established companies specialising in AI applications and uses.
The program supports Dubai's DUB.AI goals, aiming to add AED 100 billion via digital transformation, boost economic productivity by 50%, and position Dubai as a hub for AI companies and talents, leveraging its status with eight tech unicorns. It fosters AI collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurial competitiveness, anticipating a US$ 780 billion digital economy by 2030.
Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, emphasised the impact of global partnerships in driving AI entrepreneurship ecosystem.
“Through such programmes, we aim to create new opportunities and provide fertile soil for startups’ rapid growth. This will support the overall innovation system and bring innovative AI solutions and applications to life for the betterment of humanity. It also establishes Dubai's position as a global testbed and a vibrant environment for AI-based innovation and service development across vital future sectors,”
AlJaziri added.
Joelle Awwad, Head of Policy Programs, Africa Middle East and Turkiye, at Meta, stated,
“At Meta, we believe that the future of AI development lies in openness and collaboration. Our commitment to working closely with regional partners like Dubai Future Foundation reflects our dedication to building awareness, enhancing capacities, and fostering practical innovation within the ecosystem. Together, we can unlock the true value of AI for both businesses and society.”
DFF is a strategic partner in Meta's business incubator, offering sector-specific consultancy, leveraging networks, and supporting startups in energy, transportation, aviation, tourism, and retail. This initiative includes stages from defining challenges to developing AI solutions, fostering economic growth in Dubai and beyond.
The joint business incubator programme by Meta and DFF is based on the unique open source "LLAMA 3" model, which can be used to develop beneficial AI applications across various sectors.
The programme’s flexible approach in AI application development brings together different stakeholders, including innovators, creative thinkers, technology entrepreneurs, and founders of emerging and global tech companies. The goal is to create exceptional solutions applicable on a global scale to enhance quality of life and multiply digital economy opportunities.
News source: Emirates News Agency
