Dubai is forging its own path in the global AI race, opting for rapid deployment and agile governance over hefty investments in infrastructure. Matar Al Hemeiri, Chief Executive of Digital Dubai Government Establishment, detailed the city’s strategic approach, emphasizing scalability and ethical AI integration.
In contrast to Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure-heavy approach, Dubai focuses on embedding AI ethics and interoperability within a framework designed for rapid expansion. The city’s virtual assistant, DubaiAI, exemplifies this strategy, currently providing information on over 180 public services, managing 60% of routine inquiries and yielding a 35% reduction in operational expenses.
Dubai’s emphasis on quick implementation is evident in its rapid transition from pilot projects to full-scale deployment within a matter of months. Impressively, over 96% of government entities have integrated at least one AI solution, with 60% of users expressing a preference for AI-supported services.
The Dubai AI Policy serves as a binding ethical compass for all AI deployments, ensuring responsible innovation. AI is leveraged to detect chronic illnesses at early stages, optimize energy usage, and create predictive public services.
Further demonstrating its innovative spirit, Dubai is embracing a hybrid data governance model, blending data sovereignty with secure data sharing protocols. The city also aims to attract AI startups by offering access to valuable government datasets and providing real-world testing environments, positioning itself as a hub for AI innovation.