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The United Arab Emirates stands out as one of the most influential players in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable development. Through long-term strategies and internationally-oriented initiatives, the UAE is advancing towards establishing a model based on using technology as a tool for support and empowerment.
In recent years, the country has worked to strengthen its global presence in the fields of innovation and smart technologies by launching programs and projects aimed at upgrading digital infrastructure and expanding the use of AI applications in vital sectors.
The UAE’s participation in various international forums, such as the G20 summits, has underscored its commitment to an approach based on broad international partnerships that place technology at the heart of global development efforts.
In this context, the UAE’s $1 billion “AI for Development” initiative represents a significant step reflecting this direction. It places the African continent at the forefront of strategic focus, aiming to build advanced digital capabilities and provide innovative solutions that accelerate growth and support the most vulnerable communities.
The initiative is an extension of the UAE’s longstanding role in supporting international development and embodies a vision that seeks to transform artificial intelligence (AI) into a comprehensive development driver that transcends geographical boundaries.
Details of the Initiative
In the context of the UAE’s prominent contributions to the AI sector, the country announced the launch of the “AI for Development” initiative, valued at $1 billion, to support and finance AI projects in African countries. This initiative aims to bolster economic and social development efforts on the continent by developing digital infrastructure, improving government services, and raising productivity levels.
The initiative was announced during a speech delivered by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, at the G20 Summit. He affirmed the UAE’s commitment to driving sustainable growth through broader international partnerships and innovative financing solutions that contribute to supporting development in developing countries.
* The initiative will be implemented through the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, in cooperation with the Emirates International Aid Agency. This institutional partnership reflects the UAE’s role in empowering developing countries to benefit from advanced technologies and harness the capabilities of AI for comprehensive development.
* The initiative aims to support developing countries in overcoming developmental challenges by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into vital sectors such as education, agriculture, and infrastructure. This will create innovative solutions that accelerate growth and expand opportunities for sustainable development.
* The initiative aligns with the UAE's vision of building a knowledge-based economy, reinforcing its position as a leading global hub for developing AI technologies and harnessing them to serve societies.
Sustainable Development
For his part, economist Jamal Al Jarwan, former Secretary-General of the UAE International Investors Council, says:
* The UAE initiative to support developing countries through the development of digital infrastructure and AI applications represents a qualitative leap in the path of sustainable development.
* The initiative contributes to enabling African economies to integrate into the global digital revolution.
* The initiative focuses on building an integrated digital infrastructure that includes data centers, cloud computing capabilities, and supporting infrastructure for AI applications, enabling governments and the private sector in developing countries to accelerate digital transformation and improve public services.
* The initiative pays particular attention to vital sectors such as education, agriculture, and health, by introducing artificial intelligence solutions that enhance productivity and reduce the development gap, alongside knowledge transfer and technical skills development programs in collaboration with Emirati companies.
He points out that implementing the initiative through Emirati financing and development institutions, such as the Export Office and the Development Agency, reflects an innovative model of sustainable financing that integrates international partnerships with long-term investment in local capabilities, thereby promoting digital equity and reducing the technological divide between the North and the South.
Al-Jarwan emphasizes that this approach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and strengthens the technological independence of African countries, enabling them to become producers of knowledge and developers of digital solutions in the future.
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