The AI Retreat 2024,held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, gathers over 1,000 AI experts and leaders in Dubai on June 11th.
Held at the Museum of the Future and AREA 2071, Emirates Towers, it aims to accelerate AI adoption worldwide. Discussions and workshops focus on addressing AI challenges and fostering strategic partnerships for societal benefit.
The AI Retreat, organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) in collaboration with the National Program for Artificial Intelligence, is the first event planned under the framework of the annual Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence that aims to expedite the adoption of AI applications, solidifying Dubai’s status as a preferred destination for technology, innovation and AI companies.
Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner-General for Infrastructure and Urban Planning in Dubai highlighted the importance of the AI Retreat, supported by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in advancing the city's efforts to utilize AI for societal well-being, sustainability, and service efficiency. Al Tayer mentioned the integration of the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) big data platform with the Dubai Government's AI infrastructure, enabling the development of applications for traffic analysis and network planning, thus enhancing user experience.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, expressed confidence in the outcomes of the 'AI Retreat', which aligns with the vision of making Dubai the most advanced city. The retreat aims to showcase futuristic visions and innovative projects, accelerating AI adoption and positioning Dubai as a global hub for AI governance. The goal is to attract innovators and leading technology companies worldwide.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), highlighted Dubai's commitment to the digital economy and AI adoption through the D33 economic strategy. Almarri emphasized Dubai's aim to become a global leader in AI implementation. The strategy focuses on building a robust AI ecosystem, integrating new technologies, fostering AI company clusters, and enhancing governance to attract global businesses and talent. Dubai aims to lead in AI governance and legislation to provide unprecedented access to advanced AI applications, solidifying its position as a premier global hub for AI development and deployment.
Huda AlHashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, highlighted the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation's commitment to promoting national integration and collaboration through its participation in the AI Retreat. The retreat showcases projects utilizing AI and data to enhance government frameworks and promote innovation, reinforcing the UAE's status as a global leader in innovative practices.
Dawood Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, emphasized its strategic importance. Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of DGHR Department, stressed the need to enhance government employees' knowledge and skills in AI to harness its potential for improving public services. Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO at DIFC Innovation Hub, highlighted the significance of the Dubai AI Campus in attracting businesses and entrepreneurs to the region and aligning with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, which aims to position the UAE as a global leader in AI by 2031.
Several prominent tech leaders, including Marwan Zeineddine of SAP, Naim Yazbeck of Microsoft UAE, and Shukri Eid of IBM, expressed their support for the AI Retreat 2024 in Dubai, emphasizing its alignment with the city's ambition to become a global AI hub. They highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors in unlocking the potential of AI and ensuring its responsible and widespread adoption. Each company pledged to contribute to Dubai's AI ecosystem through innovation, partnership, and commitment to ethical AI principles.
The AI Retreat aims to foster innovative AI solutions for sustainable development globally, positioning Dubai as a hub for AI advancement. It provides a platform for announcing and sharing groundbreaking initiatives, success stories, and forming strategic partnerships. The event will feature sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and roundtable talks focusing on four main themes: Funding and Financial, Infrastructure, Data Enablement, and Talent Development.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
