Today's Edition
Ghaith Hlwani (ABU DHABI)
In an exclusive interview, Fabian Westerheide, a distinguished AI expert and the visionary behind the acclaimed Rise of AI Conference, provided a profound perspective on the evolution of AI events, the pioneering role of the UAE in advancing artificial intelligence, the current state and prospects of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and the high-stakes debate surrounding Elon Musk’s recent manoeuvres regarding OpenAI.
Evolution of Rise of AI Conference
Could you please share the origins of the Rise of AI Conference, its current stature, and the new elements introduced this year?
Fabian explained that the conference originated as a modest gathering of visionary individuals eager to explore human potential and technology convergence.
Over time, this intimate meeting has transformed into a prestigious event attracting approximately 300 leading figures from business, academia, and government.
“Today, the conference transcends its initial format as an English-language event in Germany—it has evolved into a truly global forum where policymakers, CEOs, and researchers unite with the common goal of shaping the future of AI in real-time,” he noted.
This year’s theme, “Good News from Europe,” underscores innovation and international collaboration.
The Role of AI in UAE
How do you perceive the UAE’s approach to artificial intelligence?
Fabian commended the UAE for its pioneering AI strategy.
“The UAE has been at the forefront, appointing dedicated ministers and making substantial investments in both capital and technological infrastructure. Their strategic approach—combining physical and digital frameworks—ensures access to state-of-the-art technology at competitive energy prices. This positions the UAE not only as a global hub for AI innovation but also as a model for other nations by embracing global talent and ideas,” he explained.
Understanding Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
How would you define AGI, and do you believe it has limitations?
According to Fabian, AGI is defined by the attainment of human-level intelligence—essentially achieving the capability to engage in conversations indistinguishably from a human, as exemplified by the practical application of the Turing test.
Despite significant advances, he asserts that true AGI remains elusive.
“While current systems may occasionally deceive us in certain contexts, a genuine AGI—capable of intellectual exchanges on par with figures like Einstein or Hawking—has yet to materialise,” he remarked.
The debate continues over whether AGI should simply replicate human intelligence or surpass it in key areas.
Regarding the use of the term "Artificial General Intelligence" by some key players in the AI field—such as Sam Altman, who asserted that OpenAI is nearing the achievement of AGI—Fabian stated, "Everyone uses it for marketing purposes only; we are still very far from being able to say that we possess true Artificial General Intelligence."
DeepSeek and Importance of Data in AI
Tapping into his expertise in evaluating the DeepSeek model, he was asked:
How do you compare this model with others currently available in the market?
"I believe DeepSeek offers a low-cost solution that mainly competes with similarly priced open-source models. If you aim for high-quality performance in real-world applications, relying on paid models is the optimal choice."
Open-source models serve as excellent tools for education and training. However, they often lack the stability and precision required for deployment in the professional market, where more robust solutions are needed.
Data sources are critical in AI. Could you explain how they impact the performance of AI models?
Data plays a pivotal role in shaping AI outcomes. For instance, models trained on Chinese datasets tend to produce results that mirror Chinese culture and methodologies, while those trained on American data align with American perspectives. This disparity highlights the urgent need for developing Arabic models based on local data to ensure insights that genuinely resonate with the Arab cultural context.
Turning to global competition, how do you view the rivalry between the U.S. and China, and where does Europe stand on the competitive map?
In my view, China certainly has the potential to be a strong competitor. Yet, it remains in second place behind the United States, which continues to dominate the AI market.
On the other hand, Europe already boasts some promising models that deserve attention. However, Europe needs more investment, faster implementation, and a more open approach.
With its rich pool of research talent, abundant data resources, and innovative companies—and by learning from successful examples like the UAE in capital allocation and future planning—Europe could make a significant qualitative leap.
I’m optimistic about the rapid progress in European nations; for example, France is making substantial efforts. While I believe Europe could eventually surpass China, this transformation won’t occur in the near future and will require more time.
Debating Elon Musk and OpenAI Developments
What are your thoughts on the recent power play involving Elon Musk’s interest in acquiring OpenAI?
Fabian described the situation as more a strategic power play and marketing manoeuvre than a straightforward acquisition.
“It appears that Elon Musk is attempting to consolidate his influence by integrating his proprietary model with a broader network of technocrats and investors, while OpenAI, with its recent shift toward profitability, finds itself caught between competing visions. In my view, this is not a genuine acquisition proposal but rather a tactical move aimed at influencing the future trajectory of AI,” he observed.
Balancing Innovation and AI Ethics
How should companies balance rapid innovation and competition with the imperative of AI ethics?
Fabian emphasised that “AI ethics” is often synonymous with regulatory compliance.
“It is crucial to ensure that the training data is accurate and that models are developed in accordance with legal and societal standards. Incorporating ethical guidelines right from the start—during data labelling and model training—is essential to prevent unforeseen consequences,” he stated.
Advice for Startups
What advice would you offer to startups aspiring to make a significant impact in AI?
Fabian advised startups to immerse themselves in the international AI ecosystem.
“If you believe in the transformative potential of AI, embrace new ideas, collaborate with diverse partners, and ensure that your vision aligns with ethical and impactful AI practices,” he recommended.
Conference Announcement
In closing, Fabian extended a special invitation to those eager to engage with the AI revolution. The upcoming Rise of AI Conference 2025 will be held on May 13-14, 2025, at Berlin’s Humboldt Carré.
This hybrid event, combining in-person participation with a free global livestream, will feature some of the brightest minds in AI. For further details regarding registration and the conference agenda, please visit riseof.ai.
Through this engaging dialogue, Fabian Westerheide not only shared his vision for the future of AI but also provided invaluable insights into strategic investments, ethical practices, and the importance of international collaboration.
His call to action for startups and industry leaders underscores the urgent need to shape the future of AI responsibly and inclusively.
https://riseof.ai
