Dubai: The Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, in partnership with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), has launched the country’s first-of-its-kind national initiative, inviting the public to participate in a creative challenge to design a commemorative coin using generative artificial intelligence tools.
This unique initiative seeks to capture the UAE’s technological evolution, reflecting its past, present, and future, through a digital design that symbolizes the nation’s progress in technology, coding, and innovation. The final coin will serve as a tribute to the UAE’s visionary digital transformation journey.
The launch coincides with the celebrations of UAE Codes Day, which commemorates the historic milestone when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the region’s first e-government on 29th October 2001, a landmark event marking the start of the UAE’s digital transformation and technological advancement.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, highlighted that the initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to reinforcing its global standing as a hub for innovation, technology, and digital excellence. The Minister emphasized that it aims to empower society to participate actively in the nation’s digital transformation using generative AI technologies.
“Through this commemorative coin design challenge, we celebrate the UAE’s journey, one that combines ambition and vision to harness technology for the benefit of societies. We continue to build on our achievements to solidify the UAE’s global leadership in AI and coding, and to advance our vision of a digital future driven by innovation, knowledge, and meaningful community participation,” Al Olama stated.
Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, affirmed that the UAE Codes initiative embodies the leadership’s vision to strengthen the country’s position as a global hub for innovation. He said it aligns with the nation’s efforts to leverage artificial intelligence in designing advanced digital solutions and futuristic services that contribute to building a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.
“As part of the Central Bank’s efforts to support innovation, digital transformation, and local partnerships, the Commemorative Coin Design Challenge serves as a national model for deepening community engagement in digital creativity and developing national innovative skills, thus contributing to the UAE’s aspirations for a prosperous economic future,” Balama added.
The challenge is designed to reaffirm the UAE’s global leadership in innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital creativity. The winning design will be featured on an official commemorative coin issued by the Central Bank of the UAE, symbolizing the nation’s vision for a future shaped by technology, innovation, and the digital economy.
Participants must create their coin designs using generative AI tools, ensuring a circular format suitable for minting, and must comply with general ethical and legal standards. The winner will be officially announced during the UAE Codes 2025 events.
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