Latest news with #YounusAlNasser
Arabian Business
22-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
‘This journey didn't start today': Dubai govt official says AI strategy built on decade of digital transformation
Dubai's artificial intelligence strategy builds on more than a decade of digital transformation rather than starting from scratch, with the emirate implementing AI policies that include built-in expiry dates to stay current with rapid technological change, a senior government official said on Thursday. 'The journey didn't start today with digitisation. We looked at it layer by layer,' Younus Al Nasser, CEO of Dubai Data & Statistics Establishment under Digital Dubai, told a panel at the GITEX Europe technology exhibition in Berlin, referencing infrastructure development from 2014-2020. 'Now with AI, you wrap everything else with security. It's not completely fresh – you tweak it for the purpose of AI,' he said. Dubai's evolving AI governance Al Nasser said Dubai has established a comprehensive AI governance framework that includes automatic policy renewals to ensure they remain relevant as technology evolves. 'For each policy we have an expiry date,' he said during the 'AI's Hidden Costs' panel discussion. 'We need to renew our policy and remain relevant to the time today.' The Dubai official outlined a dual approach to AI implementation, distinguishing between controlled experimentation for future benefits and immediate productivity gains. 'Each organisation needs a governance framework for AI,' Al Nasser said. 'We do have an AI policy that's going into implementation across Dubai, looking at governance elements of data, how you prioritise use cases and identify return on investment.' He highlighted that AI strategies must deliver tangible business value while maintaining ethical standards. 'When you look into future proofing, this is where experimentation comes in, and you definitely need to have in place a safe environment to do that kind of experimentation,' Al Nasser said. 'But when you look into return on investment today, this is where we are enhancing efficiency, increasing productivity.' The policy framework examines whether AI implementations are inclusive, safe, and sustainable, he said. 'At the end of the day, you need to derive value, but you need to do it in a sustainable way,' Al Nasser said. The official stressed the importance of maintaining adaptable policies in the fast-moving AI landscape. 'You need to strike the right balance – adaptable and agile,' he said. Dubai has positioned itself as a regional leader in AI adoption, with Digital Dubai overseeing more than 130 initiatives, including AI roadmaps and ethics frameworks. The UAE has made significant strides in AI readiness, with Boston Consulting Group's 2024 AI Maturity Matrix classifying it as an 'AI Contender' among the top 32 emerging economies. The emirate recently climbed eight positions to rank 4th globally in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, marking its highest-ever placement. The UAE also secured 11th position globally in the UN E-Government Development Index 2024, ranking first globally in telecommunications infrastructure. Europe AI adoption challenges Other panellists highlighted implementation challenges facing European companies. Antonia Bruhn, Head of Data Policy DACH at Amazon Web Services, said European firms spend 40 per cent of their technology budgets on regulatory compliance, describing the regulatory environment as 'playing a puzzle where the pieces keep changing.' Dr. Carolina Pinart, who leads AI strategy for Nestle, said the food giant has adopted a 'responsible AI is the only way' approach with governance frameworks and strategic partnerships. 'We diversify AI products and also have strategic partnerships,' she said, noting that Nestle uses controlled AI instances where 'no data moves out.' GITEX Europe is running from May 21-23 in Berlin, marking the first European edition of the Dubai-born technology exhibition.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Digital Dubai extends membership in Gartner Research Board for Global Chief Data and Analytics Officers
Younus Al Nasser: Dubai's digital experience reflects the core of meaningful global interaction—rooted in mutual experience and shared progress. While we have drawn extensively from global best practices, Dubai has also emerged as a global hub of expertise through its sustained efforts in digitalizing life and harnessing technology to enhance human well-being. Dubai – Digital Dubai and Gartner Global have announced the extension of Digital Dubai's membership in the Gartner Research Board for Global Chief Data and Analytics Officers (CDAO). The renewal was formalized during a ceremony held in London, attended by Mr. Neil Lock, Vice President and Program Director, The Research Board at Gartner, and H.E. Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive, Dubai Data & Statistics Establishment, Digital Dubai. The significance of this agreement lies in the caliber of research and insights generated by the CDAO Research Board, which brings together a select group of global leaders and experts in data and analytics. The Board serves as a strategic platform to shape the future of the digital world and inform global best practices in the field. Digital Dubai's continued membership underscores the emirate's growing role as a leader in global digital transformation in the age of big data, artificial intelligence, and rapidly evolving technologies. Commenting on the renewed partnership, H.E. Younus Al Nasser said: 'For decades, Gartner has played a vital role as a knowledge partner in global digital transformation efforts—particularly in government-led initiatives. We are pleased to renew our membership on the CDAO Research Board and view this as a strategic opportunity to contribute Dubai's insights on data-driven digital transformation and artificial intelligence, while also learning from the experiences of global experts.' H.E. added: 'Dubai's digital experience reflects the core of meaningful global interaction—rooted in mutual experience and shared progress. While we have drawn extensively from global best practices, Dubai has also emerged as a global hub of expertise through its sustained efforts in digitalizing life and harnessing technology to enhance human well-being.' For his part, Mr. Neil Lock, Vice President and Program Director of the Research Board at Gartner said: 'We are pleased to extend our partnership with Digital Dubai as a member of the Gartner Research Board for Global Chief Data and Analytics Officers. This collaboration reflects Digital Dubai's prominent position in the data and digital transformation landscape. Gartner remains committed to supporting Digital Dubai as a trusted advisory partner on its journey to regional and global digital leadership.' Digital Dubai has maintained a long-standing relationship with Gartner, stemming from its commitment to strengthening collaboration with leading knowledge institutions in the fields of digital development and technology adoption. In this context, Digital Dubai signed an agreement in 2022 to extend its membership in the Global Gartner CIO Research Board. The agreement was signed by H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai and the first government member of the Gartner Research Board in the Middle East, and Robert Day, Senior Vice President of the Gartner Research Board.
Hi Dubai
25-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Completes Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024 with 87% Response Rate
Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, operating under Digital Dubai, has successfully completed the fifth edition of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024. The survey, conducted with 5,000 Emirati and non-Emirati families, as well as collective households and workers' accommodations, achieved an impressive 87% response rate. As part of a nationwide initiative led by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre in collaboration with local statistical authorities, the survey examines key economic and social indicators. It provides insights into household income levels, spending habits, and overall living standards, helping shape policies that enhance societal well-being. Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, emphasized the survey's role in providing valuable data for decision-making. 'With every survey we conduct—whether in social, economic, or other fields—the vital role of data as a true reflection of reality becomes increasingly evident. The Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024 exemplifies this, reaffirming the importance of collaboration in leveraging real data and insights," he stated. The survey aligns with Dubai's Social Agenda 33, supporting leadership efforts to enhance the quality of life and solidify the city's reputation as a global hub for living and working. The data collection process involved 105 participants and was marked by high accuracy and comprehensiveness, reflecting both institutional confidence and public awareness of the significance of statistical insights in policymaking. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai Data and Statistics completes the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024
Younus Al Nasser: This survey exemplifies the power of collaboration in leveraging real data to empower decision-makers in shaping strategies aligned with our national priorities, particularly the Dubai Social Agenda 33. Key Messages: The survey examines household income levels, consumption patterns, spending trends, living standards, and well-being indicators to support the development of legislation and programs aimed at enhancing individual and societal happiness. Conducted over a full year since its launch on December 18, 2023, the survey targeted approximately 5,000 Emirati and non-Emirati families, collective households, and workers' accommodations across most areas of Dubai. A team of 105 participants from the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment carried out the survey, achieving a response rate of over 87%—a testament to the community's strong awareness of the importance of accurate and reliable data in shaping future strategies. Dubai - At a recent celebratory event attended by officials and work teams, the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, under the umbrella of Digital Dubai, announced the completion of the fifth edition of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024 in Dubai. Conducted as part of the nationwide survey led by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre in collaboration with local statistical centers, the survey spanned a full year. His Excellency Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive, Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, opened the event with a speech, commending the dedicated efforts of the teams that contributed to the survey's success. He emphasized the critical role of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre and local government partnerships in completing this project, which enables decision-makers to launch social initiatives that drive future development. By leveraging real data and insights, Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a model city focused on well-being and happiness for families, individuals, and society as a whole. His Excellency Younus Al Nasser said: 'With every survey we conduct—whether in social, economic, or other fields—the vital role of data as a true reflection of reality becomes increasingly evident. The Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024 exemplifies this, reaffirming the importance of collaboration in leveraging real data and insights. Data plays a crucial role in empowering decision-makers to develop effective strategies aligned with our national priorities, particularly the Dubai Social Agenda 33. It also supports the directives of our wise leadership in ensuring the happiness and well-being of Dubai's residents while reinforcing the city's status as a model destination for living and working.' The fifth cycle of the survey stood out for its comprehensiveness, achieving an 87% response rate from participating families across Dubai, who were visited throughout the year-long survey period. This high level of engagement reflects the strong awareness within the Dubai community of the strategic importance of such initiatives in shaping developmental, social, and economic projects. The extensive project was executed by a dedicated team of 105 participants from the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, each assigned specific roles to ensure the accuracy and quality of the survey results. In this context, His Excellency Younus Al Nasser added: "Everyone involved in this project deserves our deepest appreciation, particularly the dedicated work team whose efforts were instrumental to its success. Our gratitude also extends to the members of society who actively participated in the survey, demonstrating their trust in our work and their awareness of the importance of data-driven initiatives. I would also like to acknowledge the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, which serves as a national platform uniting data and statistical efforts across the UAE." The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Younus Al Nasser alongside several key officials from the establishment, including H.E. Afaf Buosaiba, CEO of Data and Statistics Operations Sector, Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, Mohammad Al Mulla, Senior Director of Data Acquisition, and Maryam Al Mulla, Senior Director of Prices & Foreign Trade Statistics. The event also welcomed participants from the survey team. As part of the agenda, the survey team delivered a presentation highlighting the project's progress, objectives, and key findings.
