The “AI Retreat platform” is an opportunity to explore futuristic solutions and implement innovative initiatives. The importance of the event has been affirmed by government officials and experts from major international tech companies, and it will take place at the Museum of the Future in Dubai on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The goal of this retreat is to enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors in utilizing smart applications to serve humanity and shape a better future for communities.
This retreat is considered the largest gathering of its kind to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence applications and uses, with over 1000 officials and experts in the field of artificial intelligence participating. It involved reviewing key trends, solutions, and future opportunities in the world of artificial intelligence, as well as launching high-quality initiatives and partnerships.
The retreat’s events include keynote sessions and discussions at the Museum of the Future, as well as workshops and diverse activities organized by private tech companies in Area 2071 at Emirates Towers in Dubai to showcase the latest AI technologies.
The first retreat was organized as part of Dubai’s annual plan to promote the adoption of AI applications in collaboration between the Dubai Center for AI Usage and the National AI Program. This plan was launched on April 29th, following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to make Dubai the best-prepared emirate to face future challenges.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of the Infrastructure and Urban Planning Sector and Quality of Life, emphasized that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision was forward-thinking in anticipating global trends in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The speaker highlighted that the AI event, held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, enhances Dubai’s government efforts in using technology to improve quality of life, increase sustainability, and enhance service efficiency. The event is expected to generate new ideas and solutions, develop digital services that increase residents’ happiness, and strengthen the city’s digital infrastructure.
Our goal at the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai is to leverage modern technology and enhance the role of specialized companies in the field of artificial intelligence. We aim to bring together digital and traditional economic pillars through these companies, promoting learning, innovation, and governance. Based on this approach, we are laying the foundations for an ideal environment that fosters the growth of companies and talented individuals in this sector.
According to Her Excellency Huda Al Hashimi, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, the AI Retreat is an important platform for showcasing transformative projects that utilize advanced technologies such as AI applications and data. This platform aims to develop government work, stimulate innovation, drive the transformation of ideas into innovative practices, and enhance the sustainability of success and improve the quality of life in the community in the UAE to lead globally.
Many major global technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, IBM, SAP, and many others gather at events around artificial intelligence to discuss the key challenges facing this field.
Discussions at private meetings focus on four important key areas: funding and financial support, infrastructure development, enhancing data value, and skills and competencies development.
Naim Yazbek, General Manager of Microsoft in the UAE, emphasized the importance of using modern technology in the field of artificial intelligence to support individuals and companies in achieving success and economic prosperity. He stressed the necessity of collaboration between government, private entities, and academia to fully utilize the potential of this modern technology.
He mentioned that the AI Retreat will shed light on the challenges and opportunities available in this field, and we look forward to interacting during this event with leaders, developers, innovators, and policymakers to develop strategies and initiatives that promote the adoption and development of artificial intelligence and its safe and responsible use.
Shukri Eid, General Manager of IBM in the Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan region, praised the UAE’s leadership for successfully enhancing its global standing in the innovation and artificial intelligence fields. He emphasized the importance of supporting technological progress and focusing on designing a future of artificial intelligence that effectively serves society. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships and ensuring that everyone benefits tangibly from the potential of artificial intelligence.
