Latest news with #NationalArtificialIntelligenceSystem
Newsweek
24-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Building AI's Backbone in the Middle East
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When U.S. President Donald Trump announced the giant Stargate artificial intelligence venture was coming to the United Arab Emirates, data center company Khazna was already gearing up to become its backbone. The shift to supporting AI, and the extra speed of implementation required, marked a massive scaling up from Khazna's cloud computing origins and would be a step towards delivering AI as a commodity in the UAE and beyond, Chief Executive Officer Hassan Alnaqbi told Newsweek in an interview in UAE. "It's completely changed, completely changed. They need it now, maximum six months. And this is why I think my biggest challenge is developing Stargate in a record time," Alnaqbi said. Majority-owned by the Abu Dhabi-based G42 holding company, Khazna has grown from a 28 megawatt company in 2021 to a half-gigawatt (500 megawatt) company now and is on course to meet the Stargate demands to provide five gigawatts (5,000 megawatts), with data centers being measured by their power consumption. "I think the data center became sexy only after AI became the norm," he said. "It's part of the new intelligence grid, because you need energy, and of course AI, infrastructure, GPU, etc, but without the backbone, without the foundation layer, nothing can happen." Stargate UAE will be operated by OpenAI and Oracle in a collaboration that also includes Cisco, Japan's SoftBank Group and NVIDIA, will supply its Grace Blackwell GB300 systems, after Trump lifted restrictions on advanced chip exports to UAE. It is already one of the most connected societies in the world and prides itself on smooth delivery of digital services. Not only does it have a minister specifically for AI, but its National Artificial Intelligence System will formally become an advisory member of the cabinet as of next year. Khazna CEO Hassan Alnaqbi Khazna CEO Hassan Alnaqbi Khazna Going Global Building the data centers, Khazna aims to be the foundation for AI operating far beyond UAE itself, both as a hosting itself and working with other countries to help build the necessary infrastructure. It already has projects in France, Italy and Turkey. "Let's face it, I think UAE doesn't need the five gigawatt worth of GPU intelligence. It probably needs maybe let's say half a gigawatt, maybe even less, but the remaining is actually a platform for all the collective ecosystem building here to actually export it," Alnaqbi said. "Where they don't have access to energy, where they don't have access to GPU, it becomes a service and the long term vision we have is that AI becomes a utility, just like electricity." A long-term target is industrializing countries of the Global South that lack the UAE's level of infrastructure. Kenya and Egypt are already among those seen as strong prospects. But closer to home is bigger neighbor Saudi Arabia. "Saudi for us, is a very strategic market. It's bigger than UAE from all aspects, consumer industries, but also it's an underserved market, and I think with the whole division digitalizing and also now aggressively working and taking a leading position with AI," he said. "We see ourselves as complementary to the government there in terms of coming with a track record and helping build that infrastructure." Given that cooling is one of the biggest challenges in running a data center, and even more so for AI, one of the world's hottest countries might not be seen as an ideal place to be building it. The temperature averages near 100 degrees in summer, even if it is much more comfortable in winter. At the same time, UAE has a goal of getting to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 as nuclear and solar become more important sources of electricity that is currently generated mostly by natural gas. Khazna was leading innovation to design efficient data centers and cooling systems, Alnaqbi said. Despite the challenging environmental conditions, Khazna's power usage effectiveness (PUE) was already on a par with data centers in Europe, Alnaqbi said. "We are also moving away from the air-cooling solution to the water-based cooling solution," he said. "We can save up to 70% of energy by utilizing the liquid to liquid cooling and on top of that, the water we're using for the cooling is also treated sewage water instead of drinkable water." The expanding AI capabilities would themselves feed back into improving power usage, Alnaqbi said. "I'm 100% sure not every company, not every industry is utilizing the power to the full potential," he said. "I can help you optimize that. This is the foundation layer of the new digital economy."
Hi Dubai
23-06-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Establishes Ministry of Foreign Trade and Renames Economy Ministry in Government Reshuffle
The UAE has announced a federal government overhaul, establishing a dedicated Ministry of Foreign Trade and renaming the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The changes were approved by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi has been appointed Minister of Foreign Trade, while Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri will lead the newly renamed Ministry of Economy and Tourism. As part of the restructuring, the UAE will also integrate artificial intelligence into its highest decision-making bodies. Beginning January 2026, the National Artificial Intelligence System will serve as an advisory member to the Council of Ministers, the Ministerial Development Council, and boards of federal entities and government companies. The AI system will assist with real-time analysis, technical guidance, and policy development. Sheikh Mohammed described the reforms as a proactive response to global transformation and part of the nation's long-term vision to secure a prosperous and dignified future for generations to come. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Arabian Post
22-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE to Embed AI in Cabinet from 2026
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The United Arab Emirates will integrate its National Artificial Intelligence System into the highest levels of government from January 2026. The system will serve as an advisory member of the Council of Ministers, the Ministerial Development Council, and the boards of all federal entities and government-owned companies. Its mandate includes supporting decision-making, providing real-time analysis, offering technical advice, and enhancing policy efficiency across every sector. Dubai's ruler and UAE Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, made the announcement on 20 June, emphasising that the world is undergoing 'comprehensive transformation—scientifically, economically and socially.' He underscored that the move is intended to prepare the country for future challenges and to 'ensure continued prosperity and a dignified life for future generations'. ADVERTISEMENT This development builds upon the UAE's decade‑long focus on artificial intelligence, which began with the appointment of Omar Sultan Al Olama as the world's first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in October 2017. In early 2019, the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 was launched, setting the ambition to position the UAE as a global AI leader by 2031. Subsequent milestones include the founding of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in 2019 and Abu Dhabi's Digital Strategy 2025‑2027, which aims to establish a fully AI‑powered government by 2027. Analysts suggest that embedding the AI system at ministerial and federal‑company levels could accelerate data‑driven governance, reduce bureaucratic lag, and foster greater inter‑departmental cohesion. One Gulf Business commentator noted that the AI system would 'enhance the efficiency of government policies adopted… across all sectors'. However, questions remain over oversight and transparency mechanisms, especially as the system begins analysis in real time. International observers view the UAE's strategy as part of a wider push by governments to use AI in public administration. Examples include Japan's smart city prototype 'Woven City' and various national AI offices globally. Still, no other nation has yet placed an AI inside its cabinet with ministerial‑level access. Experts highlight both promise and peril. Proponents argue the system's analytical speed can help identify emerging economic, environmental, and public health challenges before they escalate. Critics, however, caution that AI must be complemented by human judgment to avoid embedding algorithmic bias or over‑reliance on model outputs. Ethical guidelines—such as transparency, accountability, and fairness—will need to be codified and enforced to mitigate these risks. Practical implementation looms as another challenge. Seamless integration into federal bodies and government companies will require significant investment in digital infrastructure, staff training, and inter‑agency coordination. These tasks fall within the remit of the Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, Omar Sultan Al Olama, who has spearheaded the country's AI strategy since 2017. As part of a broader governance overhaul, Sheikh Mohammed also announced the launch of a dedicated Ministry of Foreign Trade, led by Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi—and the renaming of the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism under Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri. The government asserts that the AI system will augment human capacity without replacing it, and that final decisions on strategy and policy will remain with elected or appointed officials. Mechanisms to monitor AI‑led inputs and outcomes are expected to be announced before the system's January 2026 launch, according to insiders.
Sharjah 24
20-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Mohammed bin Rashid announces changes to UAE government
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, 'Following consultations with my brother, His Highness the President, and with his approval, we announce today changes to the UAE government as follows: establishment of a Ministry of Foreign Trade in the UAE government and appointment of Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi as Minister of Foreign Trade, and renaming the Ministry of Economy to Ministry of Economy and Tourism led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri.' He added, 'We also announce that the National Artificial Intelligence System will be adopted as an advisory member in the Council of Ministers, the Ministerial Development Council, and all boards of federal entities and government companies starting from January 2026 to support decision-making in these councils, conduct real-time analyses of their decisions, provide technical advice, and enhance the efficiency of government policies adopted by these councils across all sectors.' His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, "The world is undergoing a comprehensive transformation phase… scientifically... economically... and socially... our goal is to prepare today for the coming decades... our goal is to ensure continued prosperity and dignified life for future generations."
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
World's first AI minister to govern in Dubai and oversee ALL state companies in dystopian vision of the future
It is expected to help oversee all of the oil-rich nation's state companies THE BOTS ARE TAKING OVER THE BOTS ARE TAKING OVER World's first AI minister to govern in Dubai and oversee ALL state companies in dystopian vision of the future ARTIFICIAL intelligence is becoming more sophisticated every year, and many people are anxious about robots taking over their jobs. But one Middle Eastern country is taking this to a whole new level, bringing AI right into the heart of its government. 3 The United Arab Emirates will bring an AI system into its cabinet Credit: Alamy 3 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid made the stunning announcement on Friday Credit: AFP 3 Artificial intelligence robot looking at futuristic digital data display Credit: Getty Numerous jobs from customer service to data entry are often seen as at risk to being lost to machines in the near future. Yet even government ministers may soon have to worry about losing their jobs to artificial intelligence. From next year, the United Arab Emirates will bring an AI system into its cabinet. This will mark the first time in world history that artificial intelligence has had a seat at a nation's top table. The National Artificial Intelligence System will serve as an advisory member of the UAE's cabinet. This system is expected to help oversee all of the oil-rich nation's state companies. Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid made the stunning announcement on Friday. He began a lengthy X post with some more routine government announcements. These included the establishment of a Ministry of Foreign Trade and a name change to the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. But then the Dubai ruled shared the jaw-dropping news than an AI system would be brought into the fold. Chilling new vid shows world-first 'synthetic human' dubbed Protoclone twitch into life as it flexes its spindly fingers He posted: "We also announce that the National Artificial Intelligence System will be adopted as an advisory member of the Cabinet, the Ministerial Development Council, and all boards of directors of federal entities and government companies, starting in January 2026. "The goal is to support decision-making in these councils, conduct immediate analyses of their decisions, provide technical advice, and enhance the efficiency of government policies adopted by these councils across all sectors. "The world is going through a comprehensive restructuring phase, scientifically, economically, and socially. "And our goal is to prepare today for the coming decades. "Our goal is to ensure continued prosperity and a decent life for future generations." It comes amid a big drive by the UAE to be a top player the field of AI. The country's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 aims to make the country a global leader in the field by that year. The UAE is not the only country looking to further integrate AI into day-to-day life. A robotic futuristic city in Japan with driverless cars and AI-powered homes is preparing to receive its first residents. Toyota's £8billion 'Woven City' project will be found at the base of the Mount Fuji. "We are building a city where everything, people, buildings, vehicles, is connected through sensors and AI," Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota's Board of Directors, has said previously. "It's a unique opportunity to create a living digital operating system for urban life."
