DUBAI - The fact that Dubai has ‘AI’ in its name is a nice coincidence - though one could easily think that this is part of its destiny when considering all the recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and corresponding initiatives taking place there. There are some other places that also have AI in their names - Bahrain, Kuwait, Thailand, Haiti, Cairo, and Taipei - but the focus of this article is on Dubai to share this city’s initiatives as an example for other governments across the world. Nevertheless, there may also be future articles that will cover AI initiatives taking place in some of these other places with AI in their names.

Dubai’s Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (DUBAI)

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, recently announced the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence - which conveniently forms the acronym DUBAI - a roadmap for transforming Dubai into an AI hub. DUBAI includes several initiatives for making Dubai more attractive for AI talent and companies, as well as for driving AI-driven transformation across government entities and setting a good example for the private sector. Part of this blueprint agenda, AI Retreat, was recently held at the Dubai Future Museum and attracted over 1,000 officials, scholars, and industrial stakeholders. The conference delved into AI opportunities and trends, hosting multiple forums on AI regulation, digital infrastructure, talent education, and high-level roundtables for immediate progress.