The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has unveiled the groundbreaking Dubai Generative AI Alliance, a consortium of global technology companies committed to accelerating the integration of cutting-edge technologies and the establishment of one of the world’s most advanced tech-enabled governments. The launch of this alliance marks a significant step towards Dubai’s aspiration to emerge as a global epicenter for emerging technologies.
The announcement was made by Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, during the prestigious Dubai Assembly for Generative AI, held at the Museum of the Future and AREA 2071 in Emirates Towers, under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation, on October 11-12, 2023.
The Dubai Generative AI Alliance is envisioned as a coalition of leading technology companies pooling their international networks and expertise to address complex government challenges. The primary focus of the alliance will be the development of pioneering technology pilot projects by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the metaverse, and Web3.
During the assembly, Belhoul underscored the importance of government readiness in regulating generative AI, emphasising the urgency of taking proactive steps in this regard. “We need to be ready… We need to understand how we can regulate something as big as AI. We need to get started now,” he urged. Belhoul called for global unity to tackle the formidable challenges posed by AI, stressing that the cooperation of joint alliances is essential for designing and implementing the most effective and resilient regulations.
Reflecting Dubai’s aspiration to lead the world in generative AI adoption, Belhoul shared insights into the emirate’s vision during his keynote session. “We need to bridge the gap between policies and the advancement of technology. It needs agile governments and quick decision-making. This is what we’re blessed with here in the UAE,” he stated.
Belhoul also provided a glimpse into the extraordinary potential of AI, inviting the audience to imagine the fusion of generative AI with robotics and quantum computing. He envisioned a future where these technologies converged, potentially creating the world’s most powerful innovation.
To illustrate the potential of advanced technologies, Belhoul invited the Museum of the Future’s resident robo dog onto the stage. This demonstration showcased how AI has the potential to create robots with emotions, capable of forming relationships with humans and engaging in intelligent conversations.
Looking ahead, Belhoul predicted that AI would soon be on par with the top 25 percent of human capabilities in various tasks, much sooner than previously anticipated – by 2040. Furthermore, he forecasted that by 2050, humans might harness computerised brains to extend their lifespans significantly, with robots offering emotional support to individuals. Generative AI, according to Belhoul, could add a staggering $4.4 trillion to the global economy on an annual basis.
Belhoul left the audience with a thought-provoking statement, “It’s something we talk about now as fiction. But we are close to that, and this can become reality.”
He attributed the UAE’s success in embracing these technological advancements to its diversity, with expatriates constituting 90 percent of the population. “That’s what makes this country a collaborative and inclusive nation,” he remarked.
The Dubai Assembly for Generative AI was a monumental event, bringing together over 1,800 government and technology leaders, AI and emerging technology experts, decision-makers, and academia. The event featured more than 70 keynote speakers and hosted around 45 main and private sessions, along with 12 exhibitions. It represented a pivotal moment in Dubai’s journey to become a global powerhouse in generative AI and emerging technologies.
