Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Dr Tareq Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, affirmed that the newly launched 'AI for Development' initiative is an extension of the UAE's global role in community development, capacity building, and meeting the needs of nations and peoples.
Speaking to Aletihad, Dr Al Ameri said that the initiative builds on the enduring legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, of giving and generosity, as well as UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's inspiring vision to implement impactful projects that empower communities worldwide.
The UAE's global humanitarian message, he added, is amplified under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the support of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropy Council (IHPC).
Dr Al Ameri described the initiative as a natural transition from traditional humanitarian support to smart, technology-driven development. This shift, he explained, serves as a catalyst for building genuine partnerships with friendly nations by promoting innovation and knowledge transfer, enhancing national capacities, and supporting future-focused development strategies.
From 1971 until the end of 2024, the UAE has provided more than Dh360 billion in humanitarian and development assistance worldwide. More than 40% of these contributions – now surpassing Dh152 billion – have been directed to Africa, reflecting the UAE's longstanding ties with the nations of the continent.
Dr Al Ameri said that the 'AI for Development' initiative deepens this engagement by launching projects that support national priorities in African countries across vital sectors, including education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
Key Pillars of the 'AI for Development' Initiative
Dr Al Ameri explained that the initiative focuses on three key pillars: supporting digital infrastructure, enhancing social welfare and driving economic progress in partner countries through the use of AI tools; promoting technological transformation by helping partner countries pace with rapid digital and technological changes; and achieving sustainable development and improving service quality in key sectors – such as healthcare, agriculture and education – through innovative IT solutions.
The initiative is implemented by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), part of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), in cooperation with the UAE Aid Agency. Dr Al Ameri said that the approach aligns with the UAE's broader development philosophy, one that leverages modern technologies to support innovation and sustainable growth at both regional and international levels.
Projects are required to include capacity-building components, ensuring that partner countries can continue benefiting from technological advancements beyond the lifespan of the funding and grants. Accordingly, the initiative has established clear, yet flexible project selection criteria, based on actual needs and development goals.
Key considerations for selecting projects and ensuring they lead to meaningful developmental outcomes in African societies, Dr Al Ameri explained, include alignment with the partner country's national priorities in vital sectors; the potential of smart technologies and AI algorithms to create tangible developmental impact; the proposals' long-term feasibility and sustainability; and national capabilities and the technical readiness of the local digital infrastructure.
He emphasised that approved projects must focus on priority sectors - health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure - due to their importance across Africa. The initiative aims to enhance the quality of these nationally prioritised sectors while also complementing the UN's Global Sustainable Development Goals.
Discussing the role of AI in driving development, Dr Al Ameri said that the initiative would help African countries navigate social challenges, and achieve economic resilience in the medium and long term by integrating advanced technologies into national systems.
He also stressed that, although the impact of AI will differ depending on national priorities and readiness, it offers broader opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.
For example, AI tools can enhance healthcare services by supporting diagnostics and treatment planning. In education, smart technologies can facilitate better learning outcomes, operational efficiency, and data analytics, while in infrastructure, they can boost critical sector readiness, improve the efficiency of essential services, and optimise systems for long-term growth.
Dr Al Ameri said that the initiative builds on the UAE's global leadership in AI, in line with the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, and positions the country as a leader in deploying advanced technologies for global good.
The 'AI for Development' initiative also opens new areas for international cooperation, strengthens the presence and reach of UAE-made solutions and Emirati companies in global markets, and enhances the UAE's technological and humanitarian presence.
