President Of The United Arab Emirates Sets AI Technology And Advanced Technology Council To Encourage Artificial Intelligence Development

President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (photo: @MohamedBinZayed)

JAKARTA - President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has issued a law establishing the Council for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology (AIATIC).

According to an announcement from the Abu Dhabi government, this council will oversee the implementation and development of policies and artificial intelligence (AI) strategies that will be implemented in research, infrastructure, and investment.

In addition to policies, this board will also cooperate with local and global partners in developing research plans and programs. It aims to "enhanced Abu Dhabi's status" in the field of artificial intelligence. This step is also in line with the emirate's efforts to become a center of investment, partnership, and talent in the advanced technology sector.

The President also appointed Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan as chairman of AIATC and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Deputy Chair through a resolution published.

The United Arab Emirates government has welcomed much technological advances with the aim of placing the country a global technology hub for potentially startups. In 2018, the country announced Emirates' Blockchain Strategy, which aims to advance blockchain technology adoption.

In March 2022, Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum founded the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) to regulate crypto and digital assets. In July 2022, the country also stepped up its metaverse efforts by launching the Metaverse Dubai Strategy, which aims to support more than 40,000 virtual jobs by 2030.

The country designated artificial intelligence technology as one of its main focuses. On August 15, 2023, Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) began offering commercial licenses for AI and Web3 businesses with 90% subsidies. CEO of the DIFC Innovation Hub, Mohammad Alblooshi, said that this licensing was an attempt to "attract more global talent and invest in the region."

In addition to granting a commercial license at discount, the country has also set up a special free economic zone for Web3 and AI service providers. On October 19, 2023, the Al Khaimah (RAK) emissioner launched the Oasis Assets Digital RaK (DAO) for Web3, digital assets, and AI.