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Dubai is taking
the lead on AI

The emirate’s Universal Blueprint for AI aims to infuse the technology into every area of society

The arrival of usable Artificial Intelligence (AI) has ushered in the beginning of an emerging industrial revolution.

Dubai is already a frontrunner: the city ranks first globally for attracting AI-related FDI; it hosts its own dedicated AI hub – the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI); and it is home to the world’s first government minister for AI, Omar Al Olama.

According to PWC’s annual AI report, AI is expected to generate $320 billion in the Middle East by 2030, adding $96 billion to the UAE economy alone – comprising nearly 14% of its GDP by 2030.

And now Dubai has launched its Universal Blueprint for AI, which aims to accelerate AI adoption in every aspect of the emirate’s activities.

Universal Blueprint for AI

Dubai is betting big on AI. The new strategy gives the technology a crucial role in existing plans, as well as stimulating the emirate’s emerging AI ecosystem.

Its stated objective is to harness the technology to improve the wellbeing of Dubai’s citizens. To do so, the Blueprint will support the emirate’s flagship industrial policy, the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033, ‘D33’, adding AED 100bn (approx. USD $27bn) to the emirate’s economy, and boosting productivity by 50%.

Crucially for such a fast-moving technology, the plan will be reviewed and updated annually, adding and adjusting projects as necessary.

First-phase initiatives have already been announced, outlining mechanisms for using AI in government, establishing critical infrastructure, and supporting AI-focused businesses.

First-phase initiatives

To begin with, Chief AI Officers are to be appointed for all public entities, tasked with ensuring that AI is harnessed wherever it can be beneficial.

The new Dubai AI campus – the largest cluster of AI companies in MENA – has been launched, offering incubators, accelerators, facilities, and other support to AI and WEB3 startups.

This is accompanied by a new, subsidized, AI-specific trading licence, designed to offer flexibility, cost benefits and growth opportunities to AI-focused companies.

A comprehensive plan for attracting the data centers necessary for accelerated AI adoption is expected to be announced shortly, including measures for allocating requisite land.

Finally, AI Week will be celebrated in Dubai’s schools, as part of a wider effort to integrate AI into the emirate’s education system, nurturing the skills required for the AI generation.

AI city

By so fully embracing AI, Dubai is living up to its reputation as an ultra-modern city, creating an AI-friendly environment, and putting itself firmly at the vanguard of the world’s newest technological era.

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