Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are advancing at a hyper-speed. No one wants to miss this opportunity, but how do you maximize it? What are the challenges we face as an industry in implementing AI? And what will the future hold for UAE AI startups? In this article, we explore the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and what it means for companies big and small.

While the UAE strategy for developing AI was in the works for almost a year, it was announced as one of the priorities for government support of initiatives launched by the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on 10th May 2017.

As artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming into a technology that is capable of enhancing human experience and capabilities, the UAE has announced its strategy to invest AED 5 billion in AI by 2021, according to the Future Sciences Minister, Dr. Omar Al Olama, who launched the government strategy for AI in the country at an Emirate-wide event.

As you may have heard, the UAE strategy for developing artificial intelligence (AI) was in the works for almost a year. On 10th May 2017, it was announced as one of the priorities for government support of initiatives launched by the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

And what does this mean? Well, simply put, machine learning and artificial intelligence are advancing at a hyper-speed. There’s no stopping this train—and nobody wants to miss out on this opportunity. But how do we maximize it? What are the challenges we face as an industry in implementing AI? And what does the future hold for UAE AI startups?

Machine learning and artificial intelligence are advancing at a hyper-speed. There’s no stopping this train—and nobody wants to miss out on this opportunity. But how do we maximize it? What are the challenges we face as an industry in implementing AI? And what does the future hold for UAE AI startups?

To help provide answers, the United Arab Emirates’ National Programme for Artificial Intelligence has just released a report called “AI in the UAE: A Strategy for the Future,” which details how the UAE plans to become a global leader in the field of AI. The strategy outlines five principles that will guide the country into its artificial intelligence future:

1) Empowerment (or putting UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence power in people’s hands)

2) Inclusion (or making sure everyone can benefit from AI)

3) Innovation (or leading innovation through best practices and new technology)

4) Human Focus (or keeping humankind at the center of UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence development and implementation)

5) Sustainability (or focusing on sustainability and environmental benefits as part of AI development)

The UAE is developing a strong track record when it comes to artificial intelligence. These companies are collaborating with government entities, institutions, universities, and academia to build cutting-edge AI products for industries such as healthcare, retail, and business. That said, the future of AI will depend on two factors: how successful the UAE is at implementing AI into its ecosystem, and how engaging an experience it offers, employing various technologies and techniques. Their competition boils down to other countries around the world—but it’s clear that we’re witnessing an exciting shift in the future of both our industry and society.