In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to ensure that Dubai is the world’s fastest, and most agile and future-ready city, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, launched the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, a yearly plan focused on harnessing the potential of technology to achieve quality-of-life focused outcomes.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed affirmed that Dubai's annual plan to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence applications embodies the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to enhance the city’s leadership as a global technology and innovation hub. The plan also reflects Dubai’s commitment to leverage new artificial intelligence technologies to create a brighter future in all sectors.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted Dubai's digital transformation journey, starting in 1999 and culminating in the Dubai Digital Strategy. Acknowledging AI's rapid evolution, he stressed the need for agile action plans. Launching Dubai's Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence aims to bolster Dubai's global leadership and economic growth. Initiatives include appointing Chief AI Officers, launching AI and Web3 incubators, and prioritizing data center land allocation. The plan's core objective is citizen well-being, with continuous updates to adapt to technological advancements. Dubai aims to become the world's happiest society by leveraging its capabilities.
Dubai's annual plan for AI adoption aims to enhance well-being across sectors, making the city a leader in technology utilization and adoption. By fostering a conducive environment for AI companies and talent, supported by advanced infrastructure and flexible legislation, Dubai aims to accelerate progress and empower future generations. The plan includes implementing AI tools in government operations, enhancing productivity, and delivering superior services. Dubai seeks to lead in AI governance and legislation globally, attracting innovators and developing regulations for AI utilization. Empowering government teams with AI skills will drive innovation and keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring Dubai's readiness for radical transformations and contributing to human well-being.
Dubai's initial phase of its annual AI adoption plan involves appointing Chief AI Officers in government entities, aiming to enhance performance through advanced technology. The Dubai Center for AI will oversee their selection. Additionally, Dubai will inaugurate its AI and WEB3 Incubator to attract global innovators and support startups. AI Week in educational institutions will integrate AI into the curriculum, preparing students for future job markets. The launch of the Dubai Commercial Licence for AI aims to attract investments and talent, solidifying Dubai's status as a tech hub. Land allocation for data centers will further support infrastructure development and foreign investments, advancing Dubai's digital transformation.
The annual Dubai plan supports accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence applications to achieve the objectives of the D33 Agenda, which seeks to generate an annual contribution of AED100 billion from digital transformation projects to the emirate’s economy. This aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to solidify Dubai's position as a global hub for the digital economy and a significant player in the global digital ecosystem.
The plan also supports achieving other key objectives of the D33 agenda, including establishing Dubai as one of the world’s top three urban economies and increasing economic productivity by 50 percent through innovation and the adoption of digital solutions. Dubai places the highest priority on fostering an innovation-friendly environment and building local talent and capabilities. Dubai also prioritises the adoption of digital solutions, which will support the creation of a smart and advanced economy characterised by leadership, sustainability, knowledge-based growth, innovation, and future technological applications, and consolidate the city’s competitiveness and position as a leading global hub for the digital economy.
Dubai's annual plan for accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence applications contributes to solidifying the city’s status as a preferred destination for technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence companies. The emirate is home to the headquarters of eight technology unicorns, which have leveraged the economic and investment opportunities provided by its technology sector and large-scale digital transformation projects, to grow and succeed.
Dubai ranks first globally in foreign direct investment in artificial intelligence, first in the Middle East in technology entrepreneurship, and seventh globally in readiness for artificial intelligence applications.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
