Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the UAE stands out with its strides in artificial intelligence (AI) and space exploration.
In a recent interview with Aletihad, Nouf Al Hamly, Science and Technology Advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a National Experts Program Fellow, shed light on the nation’s strategic approach in its quest for global leadership in these critical fields.
Strategic Vision
Al Hamly described the UAE’s journey towards becoming a pioneer in emerging technologies as “deliberate” and “multifaceted”, and driven by a commitment to innovation and forward-thinking policymaking.
She highlighted key milestones, including the establishment of specialised institutions such as the Office of Advanced Science and Technology within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence.
According to Al Hamly, the Office of Advanced Science and Technology, created only around two years ago, marks a significant shift in how the UAE approaches global challenges, proactively leveraging science and technology as crucial components of its foreign policy.
“Our experience with the space sector is another excellent example which illustrates our capacity to evolve rapidly. From initially being technology procurers, to developing a thriving ecosystem for space technologies, our investments in satellites and deep space missions demonstrate our willingness to take risks and turn challenges into opportunities,” she said.
Similarly, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence was a groundbreaking initiative, establishing the UAE as the first country worldwide to create such an office, when AI was still a nascent field globally, added Al Hamly.
“Unlike the traditional approach of starting with technical development, we prioritised governance structures to shape policy and regulations surrounding AI. This approach’s success is evident in initiatives like Falcon LLM, which competes globally with likes of models developed by Google, Meta and OpenAI.”
Al Hamly also highlighted the UAE’s proactive involvement in the UN’s High-Level Advisory Board on AI set up by the UN Secretary General.
“We have become trusted advisors for other nations on AI-related matters, reflecting our commitment to responsible and ethical AI development.”
She added that institutions like New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) have further bolstered the UAE’s position as regional hub for research and innovation through making significant contributions to its knowledge ecosystem.
“Our approach to embracing emerging technologies is a testament to our commitment to transitioning to a knowledge-based economy and can be characterised by the Triple Helix Model, emphasising collaboration between government, academia, and industry. This collaborative framework ensures that our efforts are comprehensive and inclusive, leveraging the expertise and resources of various stakeholders.”
Prioritising Collaboration
Contrary to historical narratives rooted in competition, the UAE has championed a paradigm shift towards collaborative innovation, said Al Hamly.
“This is evident in the Emirates Mars Mission - a remarkable feat that epitomises the power of collaboration. It is an incredible example of the benefits derived from diplomatic relationships and cooperative efforts between nations."
“By bringing together engineers from diverse backgrounds, including those from the UAE, the US, South Korea, and other partnering countries, a foundation of trust and transparency was laid, facilitating the creation of something extraordinary,” she added.
Al Hamly further stressed that this transformative mindset extends to other technological frontiers, where strategic partnerships like Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in G42-the leading UAE-based AI technology holding company-reflect the UAE’s commitment to fostering global technological advancements.
This balanced approach is further supported by a regulatory environment that encourages private-sector innovation.
Leaving No One Behind
Al Hamly explained her perspective on achieving balance between promoting technological competition and encouraging collaborative efforts through the concept of “competimate”, which encapsulates the idea that competitors can also be allies in achieving common goals.
“While competition drives innovation, collaboration is crucial for addressing global challenges and ensuring equitable technological advancement.”
“Inclusivity is paramount in navigating the uneven terrain of technological advancement among nations. Recognising that not all countries are on equal footing in the tech arena, it is incumbent upon us to ensure an equitable playing field, wherein emerging technologies are developed and deployed with fairness and accessibility in mind,” she added.
Adapting Multilateral Systems to Scientific Breakthroughs
Al Hamly noted that the UAE’s tenure as the chair of COPUOS from 2022 to 2023 exemplifies how multilateral systems can adapt to scientific progress by giving voice to underrepresented nations.
“Despite being a young spacefaring nation, the UAE brought a fresh outlook to this long-standing committee and provided a beacon of hope for other small nations striving to make strides in these field.
“Our successful chairmanship was not merely a symbolic gesture but a testament to our nation’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and dialogue on the responsible and equitable use of emerging technologies, ensuring that the benefits of these breakthroughs extend to all nations, regardless of their size or resources,” she said.
The global environmental challenges addressed at the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference, highlight another significant aspect of effective multilateralism, added Al Hamly.
COP28, under the UAE’s leadership, marked a landmark moment, with nearly 200 countries coming together to reach the historic UAE Consensus, the most ambitious set of outcomes since the Paris Agreement at COP21.
“It emphasises the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address climate change, acknowledging the interconnectedness of nations and the shared responsibility to safeguard our planet’s future,” she said.
Al Hamly also shed light on the newly formed COP Troika, a collaborative effort between the UAE (COP28), Azerbaijan (COP29), and Brazil (COP30), as a promising model that aims to ensure continuity and integrated solutions towards achieving climate goals by 2030.
“This innovative approach acknowledges the need for sustained cooperation beyond individual COP presidencies, fostering long-term strategies to tackle complex challenges.”
With scientific breakthroughs often outpacing regulatory frameworks, Al Hamly views that fostering a more inclusive and agile multilateral system is key to effectively adapt to and regulate new technologies to maximise their benefits globally.
“By giving underrepresented voices a platform and finding ways to adapt more quickly to scientific advancements, these systems can effectively address global challenges and ensure responsible applications of scientific breakthroughs for the benefit of all. This requires sustained commitment from all stakeholders, transcending geopolitical divides and embracing a shared vision of progress and prosperity for future generations.”
Leveraging International Networks for Responsible Technology Deployment
Al Hamly highlighted the various pathways through which international networks and partnerships can be leveraged to accelerate the responsible deployment of emerging technologies worldwide.
“Research networks are essential in scoping the appropriate technologies to pursue and maintain a clear focus on impactful advancements. Through exchanges, whether in academia, industry, or research, we can facilitate nuanced joint development programs that drive innovation collaboratively,” she said.
Moreover, participation in multilateral platforms helps influence global technology policies, ensuring ethical and equitable considerations are prioritised, according to Al Hamly.
She explained that working with other nations to harmonise regulations helps streamline the deployment of technologies across borders, reducing barriers, and fostering global interoperability.
“This harmonisation is crucial for seamless technology integration and widespread adoption.”
“Additionally, collaborating with existing strategic partners from key countries can propel the global dialogue on establishing frontier guardrails for emerging technologies and advancing knowledge across all sectors."
“The UAE, with its leading and influential role in the region, can also significantly contribute by not only facilitating the deployment of these technologies to developing countries but also ensuring their successful implementation through capacity building and knowledge sharing,” she added, noting that constructive dialogue and enabling mechanisms are paramount to shaping the global technology landscape responsibly.
