UAE’s Long-Term Vision Strengthens AI Leadership: Omar Al Olama
Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: WAM
Dubai: The UAE’s early and consistent investment in artificial intelligence (AI) has made it a global leader in technology innovation, said Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.
Al Olama explained that the UAE began its AI journey in 2008, when Abu Dhabi started investing in advanced chip technology and global AI companies. “We think long-term. While others plan for years, we plan for decades,” he said. “Back in 2008, few believed the UAE could be a major AI player. Today, we are proving them wrong.”
UAE Hosts Expand North Star 2025
The minister’s remarks came during Expand North Star 2025, part of GITEX GLOBAL, marking its 10th year as one of the world’s largest gatherings for startups, investors, and innovators. The four-day event, organized by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, runs until October 15.
The event aims to boost global collaboration, attract investments, and strengthen the UAE’s position as a digital economy hub.
Al Olama emphasized the country’s openness to ideas:
“We don’t claim to know it all. We listen, learn, and take advice seriously. Anyone who comes to the UAE can help us improve and we will act on it.”
Driving the Future of Tech
In a session titled “Scaling a Digital Future: How Emerging Tech Will Redraw the Startup Map,” Hatem Dowidar, Global CEO of e&, highlighted the importance of AI governance and data privacy. He noted that 5.5G technology will unlock new opportunities for startups and future businesses.
Among the UAE’s key participants is Presight, a G42 company and the region’s largest big data analytics firm. Presight’s AI-Startup Accelerator the first of its kind by a publicly listed tech company in the Middle East unveiled its first cohort of market-ready startups.
Presight CEO Thomas Pramotedham said, “We are building a global AI platform from the UAE the new capital of innovation. Our startups are not just learning; they are building real businesses with global reach.” Presight also signed a new partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to digital safety and data protection.
Innovation Meets Security
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, stressed that cybersecurity is central to the nation’s vision:
“Whether it’s AI today or quantum technology tomorrow, safety and security remain core pillars of innovation.”
Record International Participation
This year’s event welcomes participants from 180 countries, including ApexBrasil, the first-ever Country Partner. Startups from Brazil, the USA, Singapore, and across the Middle East are showcasing AI, fintech, and deep tech innovations.
More than 40 unicorn companies are featured, including PsiQuantum (USA), valued at US$68 billion, and talabat (Kuwait), worth US$8.5 billion. Notable UAE startups such as Andalusia Labs a leader in digital asset risk management continue to attract global attention.
UAE’s Startup Vision
Hosted at Dubai Harbour, Expand North Star connects founders, investors, and public-private partners to accelerate funding and scaling opportunities. The event supports the UAE’s new initiative, “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World,” which aims to create 30,000 new jobs by 2030 and develop 10 unicorn companies by 2031. This initiative aligns with the government’s long-term vision to make the UAE a global innovation hub and a home for the next generation of AI-driven startups.
