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Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, the UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, detailed three initiatives during a plenary session at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders in Dubai. According to a Khaleej Times report, Al Gergawi told the gathering that the UAE was shifting its focus from discussing the future to actively shaping it. The initiatives include the establishment of a pioneering centre, the launch of a significant AI award and the identification of emerging global talent.
The Centre for Global Future Opportunities represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the UAE and the WEF. Its primary goal is to transform identified economic opportunities into actionable legislation. A Khaleej Times report indicated that the centre aims to bridge the gap between economic potential and regulatory frameworks on a global scale.
In cooperation with Dubai Municipality, the Global Innovation Challenge AI Award offers a $1 million prize. The award seeks intelligent solutions capable of enhancing municipal services within urban environments. Organisers plan to reveal the winner during the following year to serve as a model for other cities worldwide.
The third initiative involves compiling a list of 20 young leaders to watch. This selection process highlights individuals poised to influence future global developments. Al Gergawi’s announcement positioned this list as part of the broader strategy to foster innovation and leadership.
The announcements occurred amid other discussions at the same WEF meeting where UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar Sultan Al Olama addressed the role of AI in government services. A Khaleej Times article from the event noted that Al Olama emphasised AI would not be permitted to make decisions affecting human livelihoods. The minister highlighted that approximately 70 per cent of government services could incorporate some level of AI according to internal mapping while the remainder carried risks exceeding official tolerance levels.
UAE government data shows continued investment in artificial intelligence as part of its national strategy. The latest initiatives align with the country’s long-term vision to lead in technology adoption and ethical AI deployment. Officials aim to deliver 50 per cent of federal services through AI agents within two years, the AI minister stated at the forum.
