The U.S.-U.A.E Business Council and the U.A.E. Embassy’s Trade and Commercial Office hosted the U.A.E. Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, H.E. Omar Al Olama, for a luncheon on the 24th of April 2019 in Washington, D.C.

The luncheon provided policy makers, thought leaders, as well as executives from leading U.S. companies active in technology, energy, defense, healthcare, and law an opportunity to hear from H.E. Al Olama on the U.A.E.’s 2031 AI Strategy, and the latest developments overall in artificial intelligence in the U.A.E.

Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, opened the luncheon by noting, “The U.A.E. is a pioneer in thinking about the implications of artificial intelligence and in planning for its successful implementation in government and society. We are honored to support H.E. Al Olama and the U.A.E.’s vision for a technology-based and knowledge-driven economy, where we believe American companies can play a leading role.”

Pictured, from L to R: Mr. Danny Sebright, President, U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council; H.E. Omar Al Olama, U.A.E. Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence

During his keynote address, His Excellency stated, “Artificial intelligence is a transformational technology and it will change and alter our lives, maybe today, maybe in the next 5 years.” The Minister went on to comment that “The U.A.E. is concerned that too many governments are not proactive regarding possible pitfalls and opportunities that AI presents for the future.” He said, “We need to prod more governments to take a seat at the table regarding the public policy and regulatory aspects surrounding AI.” “The U.A.E. has created AI implementation and understanding councils at the state and local levels with the goal of ensuring that citizens understand what AI is, are not afraid of it, and are well-positioned to take advantage of its opportunities.”

Pictured, from L to R: Mr. Danny Sebright, President, U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council; H.E. Omar Al Olama, U.A.E. Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence discuss the latest developments overall in artificial intelligence in the U.A.E.

H.E. Al Olama also discussed the upcoming AI Everything exhibition, which will take place from 30 April – 1 May 2019 at the Dubai World Trade Center. The exhibition will host guests from over 100 global tech giants and startups showcasing their groundbreaking innovations. 

In his closing remarks, Mr. Sebright thanked H.E. Al Olama for his commitment to the U.S.-U.A.E. bilateral relationship and dedication to the development of artificial intelligence through public-private sector partnerships, concluding “Through diverse and innovative technology organizations such as the Dubai Future Foundation and Area 71, the United Arab Emirates is positioning itself at the heart of the artificial intelligence revolution.”

Following the discussion, attendees directly engaged with H.E. Al Olama about how Emirati and American firms can become more involved in the U.A.E.’s growing technology sector.

U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council members can get their AI Everything free exhibition pass by clicking here.