The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to lead the next decade with a generation of digital-first natives, according to Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity, Al Olama emphasized the transformative potential of this tech-savvy generation in addressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality. He urged global leaders to adopt bold, forward-thinking strategies, rejecting the tendency to dwell on past limitations. Al Olama highlighted the UAE’s own journey, from a modest vision in 1991 to its current leadership in AI and blockchain innovation. He underscored the importance of audacious visions, citing the UAE’s success in creating a blockchain network that mobilized 20 gigawatts of power globally in just 12 years. Addressing concerns about AI, Al Olama provided data-driven optimism, noting that AI-generated content has plateaued at 52% online, countering fears of an AI takeover. He concluded by sharing a powerful lesson from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: ‘If you don’t have a vision, you will be part of someone else’s vision.’ The UAE’s commitment to innovation and its digital-first approach positions it as a global leader in shaping the future.
How UAE’s next decade will be run by digital-first natives with ‘more productivity’
