21 September 2023 – Washington, D.C.

U.A.E. Minister Talks Responsible Governance of AI

The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted two breakfast discussions in New York City and Washington, D.C. this week with His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, U.A.E. Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Director General of the U.A.E. Prime Minister’s Office. Minister Olama discussed recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and the governance of AI. He also highlighted the annual World Governments Summit, taking place from 12 – 14 February 2024 in Dubai.

Minister Olama said the U.A.E. is emerging as a leader in the artificial intelligence space. He cited many well-known American technology companies that have set up a presence in the U.A.E. and are partnering with the U.A.E. in this effort.

The Minister spoke about the difficulty of regulating AI given its rapid evolution, and he acknowledged the importance of “regulating against the bad while fueling and accelerating the good.” He explained that AI regulation will be a process that is “convened by government, driven by the private sector, and endorsed by civil society and multilateral organizations.” He emphasized the importance of the private sector’s role in this process.

Minister Olama provided updates on digital policies, laws, and regulations in the U.A.E. He thanked the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council for its longstanding support in convening private-sector consultations with the U.A.E. government in the drafting of the U.A.E. Personal and Commercial Data Law. Again, he called private sector input “invaluable” to the overall process.

U.A.E. Minister Talks Responsible Governance of AI(L) Danny Sebright, President, U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council and (R) H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, U.A.E. Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Director General of the U.A.E. Prime Minister’s OfficeThe U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted two breakfast discussions in New York City and Washington, D.C. this week with His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, U.A.E. Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Director General of the U.A.E. Prime Minister’s Office. Minister Olama discussed recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and the governance of AI. He also highlighted the annual World Governments Summit, taking place from 12 – 14 February 2024 in Dubai. Minister Olama said the U.A.E. is emerging as a leader in the artificial intelligence space. He cited many well-known American technology companies that have set up a presence in the U.A.E. and are partnering with the U.A.E. in this effort. The Minister spoke about the difficulty of regulating AI given its rapid evolution, and he acknowledged the importance of “regulating against the bad while fueling and accelerating the good.” He explained that AI regulation will be a process that is “convened by government, driven by the private sector, and endorsed by civil society and multilateral organizations.” He emphasized the importance of the private sector’s role in this process. Minister Olama provided updates on digital policies, laws, and regulations in the U.A.E. He thanked the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council for its longstanding support in convening private-sector consultations with the U.A.E. government in the drafting of the U.A.E. Personal and Commercial Data Law. Again, he called private sector input “invaluable” to the overall process.

Minister Olama outlined opportunities for business to participate in the World Governments Summit, happening from 12-14 February 2024 in Dubai. The World Governments Summit acts as an intellectual hub and catalyst for shaping a better future by gathering global thought leaders and decision makers to discuss the future of governments. Minister Olama urged business to get involved and welcomed industry partnerships with the World Governments Summit. He shared an anecdote about how the U.A.E.’s successful Covid-19 response was made possible by a task force the country created years prior to the pandemic following a speech by the Director General of the WHO at the World Governments Summit.  

Minister Olama outlined the importance of COP28, which the U.A.E. will host from 30 November to 12 December this year. The U.A.E. has called for this COP to be a COP of action and a COP for all. His Excellency emphasized the U.A.E. plans to “lead by example and not just serve as a convener.” He encouraged all companies to bring their latest technologies and innovations to the U.A.E. to help meet these critical global challenges, and he highlighted the depth of U.S.-U.A.E. partnerships and initiatives to combat climate change.

Minister Olama concluded the discussion underscoring the U.A.E.’s affinity for American products and services. However, he stressed that the U.A.E. should not just be seen as a consumer of goods and services but instead should be seen as a partner in new innovation. Moreover, he encouraged U.S. companies to “work as partners” and continue doing business in the “spirit of partnership.”

For questions about this event or the Business Council’s activities in this sector, please contact Amira Siddiqi at asiddiqi@usuaebusiness.org.