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Gulf Business
20-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
How GETS 2025 helped reinforce UAE's global leadership in tech governance
Image: Supplied Abu Dhabi reaffirmed its role as a global convener for ethical innovation and technology policy this month, as the Governance of Emerging Technologies Summit (GETS 2025) concluded on 6 May. The two-day summit brought together more than 1,000 participants from over 20 countries to shape global frameworks for the responsible governance of rapidly advancing technologies. Organised by the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in strategic partnership with the UAE Public Prosecution, Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, said the UAE's early focus on AI was a strategic imperative. 'Guided by visionary leadership, the UAE recognised early on the importance of artificial intelligence and the need to shape its future through bold action and responsible governance,' he said. 'We mobilised national capabilities, enacted forward-looking regulatory frameworks, and launched pioneering initiatives to stay ahead of rapid transformations.' Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, highlighted how the UAE's education system was adapting to future demands. 'Integrating AI concepts and tools into academic curriculum represents a strategic investment in building more resilient societies prepared for the demands of the future,' she said. Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet, added: 'Embedding responsible technology governance into national policy is not a short-term ambition. It is part of a broader commitment to shaping agile institutions, forward-looking legislation, and resilient societies capable of navigating the complexities of the digital age.' The summit featured focused sessions on the real-world implications of emerging technologies. Dr Amin Hussain Al Amiri from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), along with NMC Healthcare and the Al Dhafra Youth Council, explored the deployment of AI in healthcare and the regulatory frameworks needed to ensure safe, effective outcomes. Changpeng Zhao (CZ), co-founder of Binance and Giggle Academy, spoke on the regulatory evolution needed for a decentralised Web3 future. Dr Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, emphasised the dual need for innovation and resilience in an era of quantum and AI disruption. Sessions also addressed industrial transformation, creative rights in the age of generative AI, and the role of governance in education. A panel featuring Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lameen Abdul-Malik and representatives from Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and Abundance Studio urged the integration of governance principles into early education systems. In the summit's final session, Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, and Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, presented a strategic roadmap to enhance institutional readiness, ethical innovation, and global coordination in tech governance. GETS 2025 opened on 5 May under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Among the dignitaries were the attorneys general of Qatar and Egypt, and the deputy attorney general of Oman. In his keynote, Chancellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE Attorney General, declared: 'Innovation without ethics is incomplete, and the future of emerging technologies must be guided not only by advancement, but by a higher purpose—serving humanity and society.' The UAE Public Prosecution used the summit to unveil its Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030, aiming to transform the country's justice system through predictive tools, smart governance, and cutting-edge digital infrastructure. GETS 2025 concluded with a Gala Dinner hosted by the UAE Public Prosecution, bringing together global thought leaders in a shared call for inclusive, secure, and human-centric innovation. As the event wrapped, it left no doubt: the UAE is not only adopting emerging technologies—it is helping write the rulebook for how the world should govern them. Read:
Entrepreneur
20-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
ICYMI: The Inaugural 'Governance of Emerging Technologies Summit' Revives the Discourse on Ethical and Responsible AI Development
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Ethics in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), cross-border data governance, cybersecurity resilience, and post-quantum security were among the major topics of conversation during the inaugural Governance of Emerging Technologies Summit (GETS 2025), which was held in Abu Dhabi from May 5-6, 2025. Launched under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the event was organized by the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in strategic partnership with the UAE Public Prosecution. The first-of-its-kind regional convention brought together 1,000 participants from more than 20 countries —including policymakers, legal experts, technologists, and youth leaders— with an aim to clearly define the frameworks for responsible governance of advanced technologies. Noteworthy dignitaries among the many high-level attendees at GETS 2025 included the Attorney General of Qatar, the Attorney General of Egypt, and the Deputy Attorney General of Oman. The two-day event put a spotlight on the UAE's position as a leading force in shaping responsible, inclusive, and forward-looking technology governance. That sentiment was perhpas most evident during a keynote speech from Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. While addressing the audience, Olama underscored the UAE's early investment in building a national AI ecosystem that prioritises flexibility, responsibility, and competitiveness. "Guided by visionary leadership, the UAE recognised early on the importance of artificial intelligence and the need to shape its future through bold action and responsible governance," he said. "We have mobilised national capabilities, enacted forward-looking regulatory frameworks, and launched pioneering initiatives to stay ahead of rapid transformations and enhance our global competitiveness. The UAE's approach is rooted in flexibility, global collaboration, and the development of technologies that empower societies and drive responsible innovation. This summit reflects our national commitment, providing a global platform to advance policy dialogue and build a balanced international framework for governing advanced technologies." Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications at GETS 2025. Image source: GETS Olama's emphasise on innovating responsibly had earlier been highlighted by UAE Attorney General Chancellor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, who decalred that "innovation without ethics is incomplete," during his keynote address. "And the future of emerging technologies must be guided not only by advancement, but by a higher purpose—serving humanity and society," he added. Dr. Al Shamsi's words hold added gravitas in the added knowledge that, during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos earlier this year, the UAE government and WEF jointly launched the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform (GRIP)- a platform that aims to understand, evaluate, and design human-centered legislation that serves communities in an era of rapid technological and digital advancements. During a high-level dialogue, Faisal Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology and Secretary-General of ATRC, reiterated this purpose-driven approach towards innovation by stating that, "Tech organisations must take some responsibility for the technologies they release. It cannot be that they issue it and let society deal with the consequences. This requires strong, ongoing collaboration between technology players and regulators." Backing up this conversation was Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet, who also shed light on the UAE's long-term vision for governance. "Embedding responsible technology governance into national policy is not a short-term ambition," Al Hammadi declared. "It is part of a broader commitment to shaping agile institutions, forward-looking legislation, and resilient societies capable of navigating the complexities of the digital age." Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet at GETS 2025. Image source: GETS Indeed, the notion that the right governance policies will eventually trickle into other entities in the UAE's wider business landscape was vividly pointed out by Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, when she spoke about the critical role of AI in preparing future generations. During a panel discussion —which saw Al Amiri being joined by experts from fMohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Abundance Studio, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lameen Abdul-Malik— she noted that fundamental technological transformations, particularly within AI, require accelerated efforts to prepare students and empower them with the necessary tools to contribute to the advancement of society. This, she added, also requires establishing ethical frameworks related to these technologies, enabling them to maximize their benefits and applications in daily life. "Integrating AI concepts and tools into academic curriculum represents a strategic investment in building more resilient societies prepared for the demands of the future," Al Amiri said, adding that that the education system in the UAE has worked to incorporate AI into its curricula, in a bid to stay future ready while also staying committed to anticipating the global education shifts and trends. Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education at GETS 2025. Image source: GETS Similar sector-specific sessions delved into the role of AI in healthcare, civil defence, education, creative industries, and manufacturing. During one such session, Dr Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary of the Health Regulations Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), along with representatives from NMC Healthcare and the Al Dhafra Youth Council, examined how governance frameworks must keep pace with the deployment of AI in clinical environments to ensure data protection and improved patient outcomes. In a separate session, leaders from Honeywell, BP, AIQ, and Coders Launchpad discussed the industrial transformation underway through smart manufacturing, and the safeguards needed to ensure responsible and secure deployment. Separately, in a key session titled "From Vision to Empowerment: The Roadmap to Justice 2030", Chancellor Salem Ali Al Zaabi, Head of Public Prosecution at the Office of the UAE Attorney General, presented the UAE Public Prosecution's Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030. The strategy aims to enhance efficiency in the justice system, support decision-makers, and improve service quality—while upholding the highest ethical and legal standards. Insights on creative sector governance were also shared at GETS 2025, as speakers from the National Library and Archives, Byteplus, and Lune Technologies addressed the risks and rights associated with generative AI and digital content ownership. With global reccomendations being shared over the course of the two days, the Summit also witnessed calls for a global charter on human-AI interaction that integrates ethics and equity into innovation from the outset, discourse on the need to empower youth in shaping governance, and multiple talks on prioritising digital trust and cybersecurity as national imperatives. Notable sessions included those by Changpeng Zhao (CZ), co-founder of Binance and Giggle Academy, who explored how regulatory systems can evolve to meet the demands of a decentralized Web3 landscape; and Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, who highlighted the dual imperative of innovation and resilience in an era shaped by AI and quantum disruption. GETS 2025 also brought post-quantum readiness and next-generation encryption to the forefront, with experts pushing for the pivotal need for early data audits, encryption upgrades, and alignment with post-quantum standards. The Summit also spotlighted digital inclusion and linguistic equality in AI, advocating for increased investment in local datasets, digital literacy, and AI accessibility to bridge global and language divides. Regional and global experts also explored the cyberrisks that are innate to emerging technologies and emphasized the need for coordinated action among governments, technology developers, and society to build a fairer, more secure digital future.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain discusses updates on national initiatives, projects
The UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain, chaired by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, convened at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in Sharjah. The meeting brought together council members to explore the latest updates on national initiatives and projects aligned with the UAE's AI Strategy. Al Olama stated that the UAE, guided by its leadership, continues to advance its position as a global hub for artificial intelligence. He emphasised the importance of unified efforts across sectors to foster a collaborative ecosystem that accelerates innovation, enhances the competitiveness of projects, and drives impactful results that enhance well-being through cutting-edge, tech-powered solutions. Al Olama further stated that the UAE government is focused on adopting a proactive approach in developing advanced, scalable, and sustainable digital infrastructure to support the nation's aspirations of building knowledge-based economy. This includes ensuring that regulatory frameworks and policies keep pace with rapid global developments. The government is also committed to enhancing investment in a flexible and intelligent infrastructure that positions the UAE as a global lab for artificial intelligence applications aimed at advancing communities. The Council discussed steps aimed at supporting the achievement of the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence's objectives, through the adoption of initiatives that promote AI integration within government entities. This approach enhances the UAE's competitiveness in priority sectors by leveraging AI to improve customer services, boost government performance excellence, and establish an effective legislative and regulatory environment for AI. The Council reviewed the preparations for launching the new edition of the UAE Artificial Intelligence Award, which in its first edition attracted over 225 submissions from more than 76 entities. It discussed the new categories aimed at ensuring the award's inclusivity and enhancing the competitiveness of participating entities by embracing new innovations that promote the use of AI in delivering future-ready solutions. Council members also discussed the latest updates on the Committee's initiatives and the operational mechanism of the energy and infrastructure data platform. They emphasised the importance of its development, considering it a strategic tool that supports decision-making and fosters integration among relevant entities. Additionally, the pivotal role of data centres in driving excellence and innovation across key sectors, such as energy was highlighted. This included showcasing a comprehensive geographic studies on the current distribution of data centres across the country and a reaffirmation of the need to expand these centres and link them to AI infrastructure, thereby enhancing the benefits of modern technologies in achieving global leadership. The meeting also discussed the progress of the Golden Visa initiative for specialised talent in the field of technology, exploring mechanisms for attracting top-tier professionals in this vital sector. Council members emphasised the importance of accelerating procedures and developing stimulating policies that align with global changes, contributing to enhancing the UAE's position as a global destination for creative and innovative minds in modern and emerging technologies. This, in turn, strengthens the UAE's competitiveness and aligns with its ambitions to build an advanced knowledge-based economy.
Mid East Info
13-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy supports establishment and expansion of 127 digital startups in Dubai during Q1 2025
H.E. Al Olama: 'We are continuing to support the development of a fully integrated digital ecosystem, built on world-class infrastructure and forward-looking legislation. Our aim is to foster the growth of emerging and established digital companies and enable their global expansion from Dubai.' • The chamber organised 12 international roadshows to showcase Dubai's advanced digital business ecosystem and promote the upcoming edition of Expand North Star, the world's largest event for startups and investors. • Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy organised four events to support the business community, empower startups, nurture talent, build partnerships, and enhance the ease of doing business in Dubai. • The number of partners participating in the 'Business in Dubai' platform increased to 114, enabling access to a wide range of services. Dubai, UAE – Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced that it supported the establishment and expansion of 127 digital startups in the emirate during the first quarter of 2025. This represents a 135% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting the chamber's ongoing efforts to cement Dubai's position as a preferred global hub for tech startups. During Q1 2025, the chamber organised four events aimed at supporting the business community, empowering startups, nurturing talent, building partnerships, and enhancing the ease of doing business in Dubai. In addition, 729 participants received training through the chamber's digital upskilling programmes, which are designed to enhance the capabilities of specialised talent in advanced technology sectors and build a future-ready workforce. The chamber also continued its efforts to support companies looking to launch or expand their operations in Dubai through its 'Business in Dubai' platform, which offers access to a comprehensive suite of institutional services. The platform also provides business matchmaking services to help companies identify suitable partners, investors, and clients. During Q1 2025, the chamber expanded its network of service providers with the addition of 20 new partners, bringing the total number of platform partners to 114 across a wide range of service categories. His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, commented: 'The chamber is committed to playing a pivotal role in positioning Dubai as a global leader in the digital economy, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. We are continuing to support the development of a fully integrated digital ecosystem, built on world-class infrastructure and forward-looking legislation. Our aim is to foster the growth of both emerging and established digital companies, enable their global expansion from Dubai, and drive innovation and digital entrepreneurship across the economy.' His Excellency added: 'Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy is focused on accelerating digital transformation and reinforcing the city's attractiveness as a prime destination for technology investment, innovation, and digital talent, creating impactful solutions that contribute to both economic and social development.' During the first quarter of this year, the chamber conducted 12 international roadshows to showcase Dubai's advanced digital business ecosystem and highlight the significance of Expand North Star, the world's largest event for startups and investors. This marks a significant increase from the three roadshows that took place in the same period last year. Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the 2025 edition of Expand North Star will take place at Dubai Harbour from 12–15 October. The first promotional campaign in the United States covered Las Vegas, Phoenix, and San Francisco, attracting more than 200 participants from across the startup, investment, and tech ecosystems. The second leg of the campaign took place in Canada, with events in Toronto, Mississauga, and Vancouver, where the chamber engaged with more than 350 entrepreneurs, startup founders, investors, accelerators, and digital policymakers. The sessions highlighted Dubai's strengths as a global hub for digital business growth and expansion, while also outlining the benefits of participating in Expand North Star. In March, the Chamber also organized a promotional campaign for the exhibition in Australia, with events held in both Sydney and Melbourne. The campaign attracted 400 tech stakeholders, including startups, investors, and technology firms.
Hi Dubai
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy Supports 127 Startups in Q1 2025 as Global Tech Push Accelerates
The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy supported the launch and expansion of 127 digital startups in the first quarter of 2025 — a 135% surge compared to the same period last year — as part of its broader mission to position Dubai as a global hub for technology and innovation. The chamber, one of three under Dubai Chambers, ramped up efforts to attract and support digital ventures by organising four key business events and training 729 participants through its digital upskilling programmes. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening Dubai's tech talent pool and promoting a future-ready workforce. To further streamline business entry and growth, the chamber expanded its 'Business in Dubai' platform, adding 20 new service providers in Q1 alone, bringing the total to 114. The platform offers institutional services, business matchmaking, and access to potential investors and partners. Chairman Omar Sultan Al Olama, also Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, said the chamber plays a 'pivotal role' in driving Dubai's digital transformation and enabling innovation-led growth. He reaffirmed the chamber's commitment to building a world-class digital ecosystem aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. International outreach was also a key focus in Q1. The chamber conducted 12 global roadshows — up from three last year — in cities across the US, Canada, and Australia. These campaigns drew over 950 participants and promoted Dubai's digital ecosystem while spotlighting Expand North Star, the world's largest startup event, set to take place at Dubai Harbour from 12–15 October 2025. The initiatives collectively underscore Dubai's growing influence as a leading destination for tech investment and entrepreneurship. News Source: Emirates News Agency
