The importance the UAE attaches to harnessing the potential of technological advancements and enhancing digital infrastructure to drive economic growth came to the fore once again when the country became first in the world to launch a national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI). Launched in October 2017 by the UAE Government, the Strategy marks yet another milestone after the UAE Smart Government, which is currently enabling the country’s government sector’s transition to a world leading smart government, in line with the UAE Centennial 2071 aimed at making the UAE the best country in the world in all fields by the next centennial in 2017.

Undeniably, AI will be one of the important pillars of our future economy, built on the strong foundations of knowledge and innovation and it is sure to add more value to vital economic sectors.

The UAE strategy for artificial intelligence is the first of its kind in the region and the whole world and is designed to support the achievement of the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071; and accelerate the implementation of development programs and projects. We will be relying more on AI in services and analyzing all available data with ease by 2031, thereby considerably enhancing government performance, accelerating the pace of achievements and creating innovative work environments – all thanks to the UAE government’s investments in AI.

The UAE has been constantly supporting the country’s private sector initiatives and enabling them to increase productivity, in addition to building a strong R&D base. The focus on investments in the latest technologies and AI tools and their seamless integrations into various fields of work with high levels of efficiency, through the optimal use of energies, human and material resources, and capabilities highlight the country’s efforts to proactively build the future, rather than anticipating it.

Needless to say, these efforts are also transforming the UAE into a hub for the development of AI mechanisms, technologies and legislation.

Furthermore, the UAE, in cooperation with the World Economic Forum (Davos), launched the AI Protocol project and the ‘UAE AI & Robotics Award for Good.’ In addition, the launch of the Mohammed Bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence - the world's first graduate university with a dedicated focus on AI – is set to enable students, companies and governments to develop AI applications and harness them for the good of humanity.

The strategy has led to the UAE’s top rankings across vital indicators globally, the most important among them being the Digital Competitiveness Ranking. The UAE ranked 1^st in the Arab World and in the region in the Digital Competitiveness Index 2020, which was published recently by the World Competitiveness Center of the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD). Besides, the country leads the Middle East region in smart city innovations, with Abu Dhabi topping the Middle East cities in the 2020 Smart City Index issued by the Center, and climbing 14 places to rank 42 globally, followed by Dubai, which ranked 43^rd globally, and 2^nd in the region.