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Businesses and guests from across the UAE came together to discuss new solutions to the issues around artificial intelligence at the Knowledge Day Summit, which was held at the St Regis Hotel in Abu Dhabi today.

The AI revolution is already underway with an increased focus on new technology such as machine learning, natural language processing and even robotics over the last five years in the UAE. With a guest list of senior executives, board members and leading strategists, the forum provided a platform to discuss the issues while hearing the latest thinking from leaders in the AI field.

Speakers were assembled from organisations including the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, Etihad Airways​, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development​, ​and the Department of Culture & Tourism​.

H.E. Alia Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Acting Director General of Abu Dhabi School of Government (ADSG), said: “Artificial intelligence has become the focus of many of the changes that we expect to see in the future economy of Abu Dhabi. Rather than it be something that we should be concerned about, ADSG very much believes that AI will be complimentary to our future leaders and employees.

“As part of our learning programmes, we believe it’s vital to ensure that learners understand its uses and the opportunities it can provide. The UAE wants to be recognised as a global leader in this area of technology and today’s event provided another chance to discuss the challenges and the positive influence being driven by business partners in the region.”

Dr. Ahmad Badr, Chief Executive Officer at Knowledge Group​, said: “We believe that AI has the ability to transform businesses but it’s a critical moment as leaders seek to understand the investment required but also where such technology can make a real difference in the day-to-day operations of their organisations. Today’s conference provided examples of how UAE businesses are already operating in this area and a platform for others to understand the changes they need to make to guarantee similar benefits.”

Other addresses were given by His Excellency Mohammad Hassan, Executive Director of Statistics Sector at Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority; Khawla Abdulla Al Fahim, Abu Dhabi Spatial Data Centre Director at the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority; Samer Taleb, Director of Strategy Consulting at Knowledge Group​; and Anwaar Al Shimmari, Artificial Intelligence Leader at Ministry of Infrastructure Development on data & emerging technologies, strategic planning requirements and the impact of AI on society respectively​.

The event was organized by Knowledge Group, a UAE-based professional development service, which works with the region’s key companies and government agencies to help build skills across every level of their organisation. Founded in 2006, it currently operates in 19 countries across the Middle East and North Africa and has helped more than 70,000 people from around the region to improve their leadership and professional skills.

The event was sponsored by ADSG as part of their partnership with Knowledge Group. ADSG is responsible for facilitating and overseeing professional development plans for all Abu Dhabi government employees. It is strengthening its position as the leading learning destination in the UAE by equipping future leaders and government employees with the principles, skills and behaviours that will enable them to carry out their work to the highest international standards.