Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
TRENDS Research & Advisory announced the opening of a new virtual office in Geneva, Switzerland, coinciding with its participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos.
This office, the 18th worldwide for the center, represents a significant addition to TRENDS’ global research network and contributes to enhancing research and knowledge collaboration with academic and research institutions across Europe.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, stated that this new step marks another milestone in TRENDS' global presence, aimed at facilitating the exchange of expertise, personnel, and cooperation in scientific and knowledge production, supporting intellectual communication between think tanks both regionally and internationally. He added that it reflects the comprehensive research strategy of the center, which aims to produce valuable knowledge, particularly in the field of foresight studies.
Dr. Al-Ali emphasized that the decision to establish the virtual office in Geneva stems from the city’s global diplomatic, humanitarian and political significance, as it hosts several important international organisations.
"AI Trends" Series
Alongside the launch of the new office, TRENDS unveiled a new research series titled "AI Trends" at Abraham House in Davos. This series aims to explore the latest developments in artificial intelligence and its impact on various life aspects, from the economy and politics to society and culture.
The series also seeks to track the increasing international competition to develop these technologies and its effect on international relations.
The series serves as a leading intellectual platform for studies related to artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, contributing to keeping up with developments in AI and advanced technology, through research that adheres to scientific standards. It also focuses on the transfer and localization of technology between countries and regions and works on anticipating the future of artificial intelligence, its applications across different fields, and its potential impacts.
Panel Discussion
Following the launch of the series, an extensive panel discussion was held on the topic "The AI Technology Race and Great Power Rivalry". The panel featured a selection of experts, researchers, and officials who examined the economic and political consequences of this accelerating technological race.
Participants stressed the strategic importance of artificial intelligence in shaping the future world, highlighting its ability to improve production efficiency, develop services, and solve complex problems. However, they also cautioned against the challenges posed by this rapid technological advancement, such as job loss, the digital divide, and security threats.
The panel emphasized that the TRENDS series represents an essential starting point for a deeper understanding the dimensions of artificial intelligence in the modern age and its growing role in shaping the future of humanity at all levels.
A Revolution in Our Ways of Thinking
Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, stated that artificial intelligence has become a tangible reality and a true phenomenon in our daily lives. He pointed to the increasing use of AI in various fields such as personal budgeting, scientific research, healthcare, media, commercial services, and investment, with many companies relying on AI tools to enhance efficiency and save time.
He also noted that AI technologies have led to a revolution in traditional thinking regarding phenomena and events around us. Despite AI's success in improving disease diagnosis and reducing medical errors, in addition to its role in the field of media and journalistic investigations, among others, concerns remain about its negative uses, such as manipulating information and voices, as seen in major fraud incidents. There are also fears related to replacing humans in certain jobs, which underscores the importance of establishing regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI technologies.
Dr. Al-Ali explained that the "AI Trends" series, which was launched by TRENDS Research & Advisory, aims to address all of the aforementioned issues and more. It provides an intellectual platform for leading studies related to artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
He further noted that this series attracts prominent experts and researchers, both Arab and foreign, from within the UAE and abroad, and publishes distinguished editions covering the transformation into the age of artificial intelligence. It also gives particular attention to recent developments in AI and its role in various sectors, especially education, healthcare, economy, and scientific research. The series also focuses on the issues of technology transfer and localization across the world.
Dr. Al-Ali emphasized that the series would serve as a repository for valuable insights and innovative ideas to help drive the transformation of the Middle East into the era of artificial intelligence. It will focus on developing a future foresight vision that combines advanced technology and sustainability to achieve a better future for future generations.
Enormous Potential
Engineer Amal Abdulrahim, Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in the UAE, focused on the vast potential of AI in the field of environmental sustainability.
She explained that intelligent technologies can improve the efficiency of natural resource consumption, such as water and energy, and reduce harmful emissions through smart waste and factory management systems.
She also highlighted the UAE’s pioneering experience in utilizing AI in its major environmental projects, such as smart agriculture and sustainable cities. She called for knowledge exchange between countries to adopt the best technological practices in this vital area.
Protecting Infrastructure
Dr. Dorit Dor, Chief Technology Officer at Check Point, presented the role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity. She noted that smart technologies have become an integral part of protecting digital infrastructure, given the massive increase in cyberattacks. She discussed how machine learning and data analysis techniques are being used to detect attacks before they occur and provide proactive solutions.
Valuable Insights
Dr. Walid El-Abed, an international expert and founder of Global Data Excellence, highlighted AI's strategic role in supporting decision-making processes. He explained that big data has become the new resource controlled by nations and companies to gain a competitive edge in the markets.
He emphasized the importance of building strong infrastructure for managing data effectively, noting that AI can extract valuable insights from big data, which aids in developing precise and effective strategies. He also called for the development of international policies that promote transparency and protect privacy in handling data.
Transformative Force
Sultan Al-Rubaie, Senior Researcher at TRENDS Research & Advisory and Head of the TRENDS International Training Institute, highlighted that artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative force and a general-purpose technology comparable to electricity, revolutionizing industries, economies, and societies.
Al-Rubaie noted that countries like the US and China are the frontrunners in the AI race, with the US leveraging private sector innovation and China pursuing state-backed advancements. Still, other nations, like the UAE, are also making strategic gains in AI, evident in significant investments such as the Falcon language model.
Despite the immense opportunities AI presents for progress, Al-Rubaie underscored the ethical and strategic challenges it poses. These challenges include the use of technologies such as autonomous weapons and deepfakes, which threaten international stability and norms.
He stressed that addressing these risks requires global collaboration to establish ethical standards, balance innovation with security concerns, and ensure no nation is left behind. The UAE’s experience demonstrates the role of middle powers in shaping the AI landscape through strategic investments and groundbreaking innovations.
