Dubai: The Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard, in partnership with the Harvard Business School Club of the GCC, has held its first International AI Conference at the Museum of the Future. The International AI Conference brought together global leaders, academics, and innovators to handle the challenges and explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries and societies.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, underlined the UAE’s AI journey during a fireside chat. Omar Sultan Al Olama emphasized the nation’s people-centric approach, stating that, “Our focus has always been on improving lives. AI should seamlessly incorporate into our lives, making them better without being disruptive.”
He outlined the UAE’s three-tier AI strategy, which includes foundational investments, sector-specific applications, and measurable impacts. With over 147 government AI applications already executed in areas like energy, education, health, and cybersecurity, the UAE aims to become a global leader in AI by 2031.
Al Olama stressed AI’s potential to improve infrastructure development, citing cost savings of 5–25 percent on large-scale projects and improvements in safety and efficiency. Al Olama stated that, “From optimizing traffic flows to assuring safety in billion-dollar projects, AI is helping us build smarter and faster.”
Addressing the broader implications of AI, Al Olama recalled on its ability to amplify human creativity. Al Olama added that, “AI allows people to express themselves in ways they never could before. Its evolution will empower those who remain agile and resilient.”
Themed AI Elevate: From Readiness to Exponential Growth, the conference featured a keynote by Karim Lakhani, Co-founder of the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard. Karim Lakhani announced the launch of an AI-powered conference bot to archive discussions and an AI-native online course devised for seamless AI adoption. Karim Lakhani stated that, “Leaders must not only learn how to use AI but integrate it into workflows to drive transformation. The challenge lies in scaling its impact to supply measurable value.”
Saleh Lootah, President of the Harvard Business School Club of the GCC, highlighted the Gulf region’s leadership in AI adoption. Saleh Lootah remarked that, “This event is a platform for transformation. With visionary leadership and the brightest minds assembled here, we have the resources to define the future.”
Supported by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi, the event hosted over 400 participants. Lootah restated the UAE’s commitment to building a better future, quoting Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum that, “Human beings, their ideas, and innovations are the capital of the future.” The conference showcased the UAE’s forward-thinking AI approach and underlined its role as a global AI leader committed to using technology responsibly and effectively to enhance lives.