The UAE’s Chief AI Officers have successfully completed the region’s first knowledge programme of its kind, featuring in-depth visits to 13 leading technology companies across the United States.
The programme included over 20 interactive technology experiences, providing participants with first-hand exposure to cutting-edge digital innovations, opportunities to engage with global industry leaders, and insights into solutions supporting national strategies for digital transformation and artificial intelligence. This initiative further strengthens the UAE’s position as a global technology hub.
The UAE government delegation, led by Mohammed bin Taliah, Chief of Government Services, included Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government.
Organised by the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office in collaboration with the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, the programme involved meetings with executives and experts from global technology firms, innovation centers, and AI research entities to explore collaboration and future-focused solutions. Key visits included Google, Meta, OpenAI, Palantir, NVIDIA, IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, the U.S.-UAE Business Council, and Cohere.
The tour aimed to equip the UAE’s Chief AI Officers with insights into the latest technological advancements, familiarize them with the strategic directions of leading international companies, and facilitate the exchange of global best practices in AI.
The initiative also sought to build a knowledge network with technology experts, enhancing government performance and strengthening preparedness for future technological transformations.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, affirmed that the UAE remains committed to maintaining global leadership in the digital sector. He highlighted the importance of staying aligned with emerging technologies, fostering partnerships with leading firms, and investing in innovative solutions to drive national strategies in AI and digital transformation.
He noted that the initiative would support government efforts to implement AI-driven solutions and empower national talent to leverage these technologies for enhancing public services.
Mohammed bin Taliah added that the programme offered unique opportunities for collaboration with leading global technology companies and promoted the exchange of expertise and best practices to drive innovation and improve government services. He highlighted that Chief AI Officers gained comprehensive insights into cutting-edge AI developments and explored ways to implement these solutions to enhance competitiveness and solidify the UAE’s global leadership.
During the visit, Meta showcased the future of augmented reality and wearable technology, including its Orion smart glasses, as well as practical applications of the LLaMA platform. Google presented its latest AI innovations, highlighting autonomous decision-making and platforms such as Google AgentSpace and Google Gemini, while demonstrating how Google Cloud supports sustainability initiatives.
At Palantir, the delegation explored the company’s vision for smart technologies and next-generation data partnerships, participating in a fireside discussion with executives focused on AI investment impact. OpenAI highlighted a uniquely Emirati ChatGPT experience and shared insights on digital transformation in the UAE. The U.S.-UAE Business Council facilitated discussions on strengthening strategic partnerships.
The delegation also explored NVIDIA’s advanced GPUs, data center infrastructure, and platforms such as NVIDIA Build, Isaac Gr00t, and Omniverse, demonstrating real-time analytics, robotics training, and industrial simulations. IBM sessions emphasized responsible and sovereign AI practices. Amazon showcased AI-powered automation, interactive applications, and innovations like The Spheres and Amazon Go, illustrating generative AI’s role in enterprise success.
The programme concluded at Microsoft, where discussions focused on AI and cybersecurity, cloud data sovereignty, organizational readiness, and next-generation solutions. Delegates experienced AI-powered tools including Copilot and Microsoft 365 and explored the Azure AI Foundry platform.
The Chief AI Officers were selected following the Cabinet’s approval, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to establish the position of Chief AI Officer across ministries and federal entities. Selection criteria included a candidate’s deep understanding of rapidly evolving technological landscapes and their ability to implement AI solutions that enhance government operations. This initiative contributes to advancing the UAE 2031 Vision, which aims for global leadership in AI and digital technologies, and supports the goals of the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031.
(Inputs from WAM)
