Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, witnessed the launch of the book “Digital Minds, with a Renewed Identity: UAE–Moroccan Studies in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation” on Monday at his majlis in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak noted that the publication offers insight into how to responsibly engage with the digital age while safeguarding identity, cultural values, and the UAE’s knowledge-driven approach to progress.
The minister said the book presents a balanced model that keeps pace with the future while preserving heritage, reflecting the UAE’s approach of fostering a citizenry that is aware of its roots, open to the world, and confident in the power of knowledge to drive progress.
The event was attended by Al Asri Saeed Ahmed Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco; Ahmed Al Tazi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UAE; and Dr Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation.
On the same day, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Abu Dhabi also hosted a gathering for the book launch, bringing together officials, diplomats, academics, and experts from both countries. The event was jointly organised by the General Secretariat of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, the Moroccan Embassy in the UAE, and the UAE Embassy in Rabat.
Al Tazi said launching the book in Abu Dhabi reflects the depth of UAE–Morocco relations, serving as a shared knowledge platform that bridges innovation, identity, and values while strengthening cultural diplomacy and academic cooperation.
Speaking to Aletihad, he described the publication as a thought-provoking work jointly developed by Moroccan and Emirati scholars to shed light on artificial intelligence and innovation.
He added that the book’s significance lies in its alignment with the shared vision of both countries. “One of the elements that reflect the importance of this book is that it is in line with the orientations of both Morocco and the UAE in making artificial intelligence a tool, not an objective in itself,” he said.
Drawing on joint Emirati-Moroccan research, the book examines the intersection of artificial intelligence with ethics, education, smart agriculture, cultural heritage, and identity.
For Dr Zaid, Abu Dhabi was a natural launch venue, given how the emirate has placed innovation and technology at the heart of sustainable development and the knowledge economy.
He stressed that artificial intelligence must strike a balance between progress and cultural and human values, a principle reflected in the joint Emirati-Moroccan publication.
Highlighting AI as an enabler of development, Al Tazi said “it is a tool to serve development in both countries, to help people perform many tasks, and at the same time to preserve our heritage, our culture, and our identity”.
Being open to innovation does not contradict national identity, he added.
“It does not mean that we should close ourselves,” he said. “With this tool, we are confident that we can preserve our identity while continuing to open our relationships with others.”
Al Dhaheri highlighted the UAE’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence and strengthening bilateral cooperation, pointing to the country’s advanced digital transformation as a clear indicator of progress. “Today, the government operates largely through e-government systems, which shows achievements shall continue in the future.”
He also emphasised the breadth of partnership between the two countries. “It is very important that there is significant cooperation between the UAE and Morocco, not only in the agricultural sector, but also in political, economic, and other fields,” he said.
During the high-profile event, Dr Zaid noted that discussions extended beyond the book itself to “the importance of artificial intelligence in day-to-day life, but most importantly in our field, in agriculture and the palm industry”.
He also highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the UAE and Morocco, noting that recent gatherings have brought together scientists from both sides to share expertise.
“This book consolidates and strengthens the relationship between the two friendly countries,” Dr Zaid said.
