Microsoft UAE recently brought its global ‘Microsoft Build: AI Day’ tour to the UAE. The event united government officials, technologists, innovators, IT decision-makers and business professionals to share ideas on the transformative power of AI.
The event featured addresses by esteemed officials and experts. Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, and Edge Middle East recently engaged in a meticulous conversation on the company’s plans for Mena and the evolving tech landscape.
Microsoft to double down on its investment in Mena
Yazbeck considers AI the “biggest tech innovation that happened since the internet”. “It is going to impact every element of our life … The good thing about AI is … seeing for the first-time innovations that are being created from the region.”
He gave the example of the Falcon and Jais that have been created in the Emirates and are going global. “Today, any consumer can tap into AI models and use them, and the good thing is that it allows smaller countries and even smaller businesses to innovate at scale.”
The Microsoft UAE GM called competition “good” as it “drives innovation”. He gave pleasant feedback at the presence of multiple players in the market, noting that Microsoft has a “leadership position at this point of time”.
Yazbeck highlighted the company’s intention to double down on its investment in the Mena region. “We are expanding our data centre in the UAE … We have brought open AI on Azure in the country which is unique to the region,” he mentioned before Edge Middle East.
UAE’s commitment to semiconductors started early on
The UAE is solidifying its position as a global hub for advanced technology and artificial intelligence. This strategic vision relies on international partnerships in the important field of advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
The Gulf state’s commitment to semiconductors started early on. Through Mubadala Investment Company, the nation established GlobalFoundries in 2009. GlobalFoundries is currently a leader in the field, listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market in the US.
Dubai hosts AI Retreat 2024 in big move
Dubai hosted an AI Retreat on Tuesday, attracting over 2,500 government officials, executives and experts. Crown Prince HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed directed that the retreat’s outcomes be turned into projects to further bolster Dubai’s leadership in the AI sector.
Featuring 35 sessions and workshops, the retreat delved into AI opportunities and trends, hosting multiple forums on AI regulation, digital infrastructure, talent education and high level roundtables for immediate progress.
AI’s rapid advancement and innovation potential across different fields is incredibly exciting. Yet there is an urgent need for a thorough and open discussion around AI ethics and the principles organisations using this evolving technology should consider.
Dubai’s Ethical AI Toolkit has been created to provide practical assistance across a city ecosystem. It consists of principles and guidelines, and a self-assessment tool for developers to assess their platforms. It aims to enable different entities use AI systems responsibly.
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