Abu Dhabi: The 'Mufakiru Al Emarat' Forum, organised by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR), today discussed the role of catalysts within the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 in promoting comprehensive development. The discussion focused on applying AI in vital sectors such as transportation and energy, the role of government policies in ensuring ethical and sustainable use of AI technologies, empowering national talent with skills to align with the technological revolution, and the role of Emirati youth in building an AI-driven economy.
According to Emirates News Agency, Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted the future prospects of AI applications in the transportation sector, which are witnessing growth and will have a significant impact. He explained that AI systems currently in use are undergoing continuous development, offering opportunities for innovation and progress. He added that the next five years will see advancements, with the UAE expected to achieve a qualitative leap in control mechanisms' speed and quality, supported by the establishment of data centres globally and in the UAE.
The Minister highlighted the use of AI in reducing traffic congestion and predicting future bottlenecks through control centres and cameras in critical locations. He spoke about the future role of AI in transportation, pointing out that smart systems will integrate with solutions like autonomous aircraft and self-driving cars, and the transformation of trains into driverless smart trains. Al Mazrouei noted that the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is drafting regulations and legislations for this sector, focusing on global best practices. He mentioned that the UAE was among the first countries to develop governance systems for self-driving cars, revealing that the UAE is set to begin trials for these vehicles.
He affirmed that the UAE has become a global leader in AI, ranking among the top three to five nations investing in this field, highlighting strategic partnerships with companies like G42, which is developing large-scale data centres. He predicted a significant leap in the UAE's transportation sector once these systems are fully operational.
Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director-General of the Future Studies Centre at the University of Dubai, emphasised that ethics in AI is a global priority. He explained that the UAE Government has established policies and governance frameworks to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI. He noted the challenge lies in balancing the rapid evolution of AI technologies with their responsible usage, stressing the importance of governance frameworks.
Dr. Al Dhaheri referred to discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlighting remarks by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, on the need for global and local collaboration in formulating laws and regulations to govern AI usage.
Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the College of Engineering at the American University of Sharjah, said the rapid revolution in industry, technology, and data is reshaping skill requirements. He pointed out that employers now demand skills that extend beyond technical expertise to include soft skills like leadership and creativity. He added that universities are focusing on teaching students technical skills, including AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity, as well as their applications in various fields.