Ghassan Aouad’s Post

Historic meeting in Washington! UAE and U.S. strengthen cooperation on #Tech and #AI. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss the strategic partnership between the two nations. This is a significant moment in UAE-U.S. relations, marking the first official visit by an Emirati president to the U.S. since the UAE’s formation in 1971. During their talks, the leaders emphasized the crucial role that AI and advanced technology will play in shaping the future of both countries. They discussed the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding to promote collaboration in research, knowledge sharing, and ethical AI governance. This agreement could lead to joint projects that boost innovation in sectors like healthcare, finance, education, and climate change. This partnership is especially important as the UAE aims to diversify its economy away from oil by investing in technology and innovation. President Biden voiced his strong support, highlighting that this collaboration will benefit not just both nations but also contribute to global stability. Can’t wait for future developments! #UAE #Innovation #TechPartnership #GlobalLeadership #SustainableFuture

5 Reasons Why I Keep Coming Back to Dubai: The UAE has just been named the world’s number 1 wealth magnet for the third year in a row. And it’s well deserved! Everyone’s talking about how Dubai is a great place to relocate to, and whilst I don’t live there just yet I’m in the city multiple times a year for business. So, here’s what keeps bringing me back to Dubai: 1. Networking ↳ Dubai is at the crossroads of both east and west ↳ It’s a city full of visionaries and go-getters 2. It’s a leading tech hub ↳ The UAE has invested heavily in tech ↳ As someone who works in data, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Silicon Oasis are great hubs to be involved with 3. AI leadership ↳ The UAE is committed to becoming a global leader in AI ↳ They’ve started initiatives like the Dubai AI Lab and UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 4. Opportunities ↳ I’ve been given opportunities in Dubai unlike anywhere else... ↳ Keynote speaking ↳ Hosting panel sessions ↳ Spearheading conferences, and so much more! 5. Aspirations ↳ My team know it’s one of my goals to have an Onyx Data office in Dubai at some point ↳ So every time I visit I feel extra motivated to achieve that! According to The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2024, the UAE is set to have a record-breaking inflow of millionaires this year, so now is the best time to think about expanding your business over there or just paying a visit (although I’d recommend to wait until after summer…!) The networking possibilities in Dubai are endless, and have really catapulted our growth at Onyx Data. → What’s your favourite thing to do in Dubai? Let me know in the comments below! #Dubai #AI #DataInnovation #BusinessExpansion #OnyxData

The UAE’s drive to become a global superpower in artificial intelligence could have huge implications for the Gulf region as a whole, according to one of the world’s leading finance academics. Arturo Bris, director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center, says the UAE’s achievements in AI could lead to collaboration and competition among neighbouring countries aiming to diversify their economies through technology. He believes a key factor will be the UAE’s ability to create and retain AI-driven unicorns – companies valued at over $1 billion – having set a target of 20 by 2031. Underlining its position as a leader in artificial intelligence, the UAE has been ranked fifth on the Global Vibrancy Tool 2024, which evaluates 36 countries across 42 AI-specific indicators. #artificialintelligence #AI #UAEtech

Today at the 𝐌𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦, I had the privilege of sharing the stage with an exceptional group of cross-functional panelists: Ameena Thabet from Mubadala Human Capital, Michael Makarem from Mubadala Corporate Legal and Aidan Millar from Mubadala Data & Technology Services moderated by Lara McGuigan from Mubadala Ethics & Compliance. It was an incredibly insightful discussion, and one of the questions I was asked was how the 𝑼𝑨𝑬 𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝑨𝑰. Reflecting on this, it’s clear the UAE’s visionary leadership has been pivotal: * Early Strategy: The UAE launched its National AI Strategy in October 2017, five years before AI went mainstream, and appointed the world’s first Minister of AI, H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama. *Education & Innovation: Home to MBZUAI, the world’s first AI university, and key contributors like Falcon 180B (TII) and Jais, the first Arabic-English LLM (G42). * Governance & Policy: UAE recently mandated Chief AI Officers in government entities, and the UAE introduced the AI Charter for safe and ethical practices. * Ecosystem Development: Funding, accelerators, and incentives to support AI startups and attract global talent. * Global Investment: Strategic focus across the AI value chain—semiconductors, infrastructure, and cutting-edge models. The UAE is building not just a tech hub but a global AI ecosystem, driving innovation and responsible AI adoption. How is your region approaching AI? #AI #Innovation #UAE #Leadership #Mubadala #MBZUAI #safeAI #responsibleAI #AIforgood

AI is transforming Dubai’s economy at an unprecedented pace, but it’s not without challenges. Let’s take a closer look: ❌ Jobs lost due to automation ❌ Skills gap widening ❌ Economic disparity ❌ Over-reliance on tech ❌ Privacy concerns These are real issues, but there’s a better way forward: ✅ Focus on skill training: Equip the workforce with future-ready skills. ✅ Encourage innovation: Foster creativity and new ideas to drive progress. ✅ Invest in diverse sectors: Balance reliance on tech with growth across industries. ✅ Avoid negative speculation: Shape a positive narrative around AI’s potential. 𝕬𝖘𝖐 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖘𝖊𝖑𝖋:✍ Are we adapting fast enough to thrive in this AI-driven economy? It’s time to rethink your approach and balance your strategy. The key to success lies in preparing for change while leveraging opportunities AI offers. Let’s build a future that benefits everyone! Share your thoughts below: How do you think Dubai can overcome these challenges and lead the way? #AIEconomy #FutureOfWork #AIandJobs #SmartCityDubai #KomalChheda #Innovation #WorkforceDevelopment #AILeadership

🌍 **A Strategic Shift: Pakistani and Indian Companies Moving to Dubai!** 🇵🇰🇮🇳 In a recent article by The News International, it was highlighted that an increasing number of Pakistani and Indian companies are making the strategic decision to establish their operations in Dubai. This move is largely driven by Dubai's business-friendly environment, prime location, and robust infrastructure. As companies seek to enhance their competitiveness and explore new markets, Dubai emerges as an attractive hub for growth and innovation. For businesses looking to pivot and leverage the power of AI in their operations, now is the time to assess your strategy and take advantage of the opportunities available in this vibrant market. 🔍 **Ready to explore how AI can transform your business?** Visit [https://lnkd.in/dTVnMsdH) for a free advisory assessment! Let's navigate the future together! #BusinessGrowth #Dubai #AI #TaxConsultancy #LitigatTaxCounsel #Innovation #PakistaniCompanies #IndianCompanies #StrategicShift

Dubai Leaps into AI Era... As an AI and digital thinking enthusiast, I'm thrilled to see Dubai's visionary leadership driving innovation. Digital Dubai's latest initiative—the Dubai Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Platform—marks a significant milestone. Key Highlights: - Moro Hub (DEWA subsidiary) awarded contract - Project commencement by September 2024 end - Estimated 20%+ boost to Dubai's GDP through digitalization (Source: World Bank) - 50%+ of UAE's digital transformation goals achieved by 2025 (Source: UAE Vision 2021) My Take: Dubai's strategic investment in AI and data analytics will catapult the emirate into a global digital hub. This platform will foster entrepreneurship, enhance citizen experiences, and fortify cybersecurity. Stats Don't Lie: - 90% of MENA region's data centers located in UAE (Source: Datacenter Dynamics) - AI adoption projected to add $16B to UAE's economy by 2030 (Source: PwC) The Future is Now: Digital Dubai's forward-thinking approach will: 1. Enhance data-driven decision-making 2. Foster innovation and entrepreneurship 3. Bolster cybersecurity and resilience 4. Elevate citizen experiences Image credit: Dubai Media Office Stay ahead of the curve! Follow me for expert insights on tech trends and innovations. . #Dubai #AI #Data #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #TechExpert #UAE #MiddleEast

"We the UAE for Strategic Intelligence 2031" initiative will use AI, international expertise, and global data sources to provide strategic intelligence to policy makers and government leaders. The platform: - Leverages AI and data from over 2,500 international experts and 450 global sources. - Provides strategic intelligence & analysis for priority sectors under 'We the UAE 2031' vision. - Aims to enhance government readiness, strategic thinking and become a global foresight hub. The agreement was signed at WEF 2024 by Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, and Stephan Mergenthaler, Head of Strategic Intelligence at World Economic Forum. The new project’s features will include: - AI-powered strategic design model - Interactive analytical maps for decision-makers - Access to latest research, trends & scenarios The platform represents a collaborative effort to address global challenges, drive innovation, and shape a promising future through multi-stakeholder cooperation. The UAE's business-friendly environment, including low taxes and robust support for entrepreneurs, presents promising opportunities for companies looking to establish or relocate operations. Visit https://lnkd.in/gcWZRgvU , where we’ll help you set up and manage an UAE business. #UPPERSETUP #uaebusiness

Thank you Arabian Business and Tala Michel Issa for sharing my take on Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan’s initiative to appoint Chief AI Officers. Dubai is taking a proactive approach to integrating AI into its operations. This will not only improve the quality of life for citizens and residents but also position Dubai as a hub for AI governance. With the development in AI technologies moving into the 'fast lane', there is so much change that demands more than ever the need to have policies, frameworks and models for safe, practical, and ethical adoption. Having a dedicated focus on AI within government entities will ensure that Dubai is at the forefront of these advancements and look forward to this move enabling each entity to have autonomy to improve their respective digital service interface and collectively bring together the various entities’ perspectives to form an oversight committee of sorts  for AI governance and legislation and to create a model that other governments could follow or adopt. This mandate from the highest levels of government fosters an innovation ecosystem conducive to the growth of small and big businesses, and tech enterprises. It gives more confidence to me and I am sure for other entrepreneurs and investors to actively participate in Dubai’s tech scene. The collaboration between the private sector and government is exemplified by recent investments made by global technology leaders such as Microsoft in the UAE, which are in the form of capital and compute infrastructure. These investments not only enhance the country's technological infrastructure but also catalyze economic growth by attracting further investment and fostering innovation. We also look forward to opportunities for collaboration between the private sector, academia, and government. Such collaborations are essential for driving innovation, knowledge exchange, and ecosystem development. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dWg9A--U

At the Gartner session, public sector leaders from #Ajman, #Dubai, and #Jordan shared their approaches to leadership, #AI, and resilience in the digital age: Ajman: Dina Fares highlighted key lessons from implementing 6-7 AI use cases, including emotive AI: 1. Start small with AI and ensure contextual understanding. 2. Be mindful of high costs for AI proofs-of-concept, which often fail to prove value. 3. Prioritise transparency and ethical AI over black box models. 4. Develop balanced AI governance to foster innovation. 5. Focus on mission outcomes, like citizen satisfaction and resolution rates, over operational metrics. Jordan: Moe Abeidat discussed AI’s role in: • Improving citizen access to public data and legislation through chatbots. • Optimising government workflows for efficiency and faster services. • Using data and advanced analytics to predict policy impacts on citizens. • Ensuring digital initiatives are outcome-focused, delivering real value aligned with citizen needs. Dubai: Khalifa Almarri highlighted Dubai’s mature AI practices: • Published AI ethical guidelines to ensure transparency and mitigate biases. • Focused on upskilling talent and optimising procurement processes using AI. • Measured AI impact by comparing metrics pre- and post-implementation, such as resolution rates and service accuracy. • Leveraged AI to empower employees rather than replace them. • Prioritised AI initiatives that align with strategic objectives and deliver measurable citizen-centric outcomes. Across these examples, the leaders emphasised the importance of ethical AI, governance, and measuring mission-driven outcomes to ensure value creation in digital transformation.