Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and ruler of Abu Dhabi, has taken a significant step in advancing the country’s technological capabilities by establishing the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC). This new council is set to play a pivotal role in overseeing the implementation and development of AI policies and strategies in areas such as research, infrastructure, and investment.
The Abu Dhabi government’s announcement indicates that the AIATC will not only focus on policy formation but also engage in collaborations with both local and global partners. These partnerships will be crucial in developing comprehensive plans and research programs aimed at enhancing Abu Dhabi’s stature in the AI domain. This initiative aligns with the emirate’s ambition to position itself as a leading hub for investments, partnerships, and talent in the advanced technology sector.
Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been appointed as the chairman of the AIATC, with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan serving as the vice-chairman, as per a recent resolution.
The UAE has been progressively embracing technological advancements, striving to establish itself as a global center for technological innovation and startups. In 2018, the Emirates Blockchain Strategy was announced, underscoring the nation’s commitment to adopting blockchain technology.
Further solidifying its position in the tech world, in March 2022, Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum formed the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) to regulate cryptocurrencies and digital assets. Additionally, in July 2022, Dubai intensified its focus on the metaverse by launching the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, with the objective of creating over 40,000 virtual jobs by 2030.
AI technology has increasingly become a focal point for the UAE. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) commenced offering commercial licenses to AI and Web3 businesses at a substantial 90% subsidy on August 15, 2023. According to Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub, this move aims to attract global talent and investment to the region.
Moreover, the UAE is enhancing its infrastructure for Web3 and AI service providers. On October 19, 2023, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) inaugurated the RAK digital assets oasis (DAO), a dedicated free economic zone for Web3, digital assets, and AI industries, marking another stride in the country’s technological advancement journey.
 and ruler of Abu Dhabi, has taken a significant step){kind=link}