The Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard, in collaboration with the Harvard Business School Club of the GCC, has organized ‘International AI Conference’ at the Museum of the Future in Dubai.
The event gathered global leaders, academics, and innovators to explore the intricate challenges and the vast opportunities surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting its role in transforming industries, organizations, and societies. The conference, also supported by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi, attracted 400 attendees in person.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, stated that, “The focus of our founding fathers has always been on people—educating them, building the right infrastructure, and ensuring a sustainable balance between physical and human development. Today, we continue that legacy by leveraging AI to improve the lives of every person in this room and every future generation,”
Al Olama explained the UAE’s three-tiered AI strategy, a wide strategy for incorporating AI across various sectors, such as energy, education, health, and cyber security. The nation seeks to emerge as a premier global AI hub by 2031, with an emphasis on measurable impact and enhanced quality-of-life for residents.
Omar Sultan Al Olama Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications
“I believe we do not need to be an AI-first country. We are focused on being quality-of-life first. AI should not be a disruptive force; it should seamlessly integrate into our lives to make them better. For example, UAE airports now use AI-powered facial recognition to ensure fast and efficient immigration processes, even during the busiest travel seasons. This isn’t technology in your face—it’s technology working quietly and effectively to improve your experience.”
Despite acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding AI’s evolution, Al Olama remained hopeful about its transformative potential to unlock human creativity and fuel societal progress. “AI is not just a tool for progress; it is a companion for humanity’s future, and we must use it responsibly to ensure a brighter tomorrow for all,” concluded Al Olama.
The conference, revolved under the theme ‘AI Elevate: From Readiness to Exponential Growth’, also featured Karim Lakhani, Dorothy & Michael Hintze Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School, Co-founder and Chair of the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard (D^3).
Karim Lakhani unveiled a revolutionary AI-powered conference bot, designed to capture and archive conference conversations, alongside an innovative AI-native online course. The course focuses on empowering AI adoption and is uniquely crafted “by AI, for AI.”
Saleh Lootah, President of the Harvard Business School Club of the GCC, underscored the Gulf region’s unique position to pioneer the AI revolution. The president also highlighted the significance of the conference in exploring future infrastructure, and the UAE’s role in driving impactful AI adoption.
