Marrakech: The United Arab Emirates has put forward a proposal for the creation of a Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Artificial Intelligence Centre during the Fourth Edition of the Marrakech Economic Parliamentary Forum. The event was organized by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and the House of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco, in collaboration with the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE's proposal was presented by Dr. Ahmed Al Mansouri, a member of the Federal National Council (FNC), during a session focused on boosting investment in artificial intelligence and establishing a Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf AI Hub. Dr. Al Mansouri emphasized the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the global economy, highlighting its role in managing economies, analyzing markets, and improving sectors such as industry, government services, food, healthcare, and education security.
Dr. Al Mansouri pointed out that nations proficient in developing AI technologies hold a competitive edge in the global economy, with the technological gap contributing to economic and developmental disparities worldwide. He underscored the UAE's pioneering efforts in AI, being among the first to implement a national AI strategy, create a ministry dedicated to AI, and form international partnerships to boost investment in the sector.
A significant milestone in these efforts was the establishment of the UAE-US Artificial Intelligence Campus in Abu Dhabi, boasting a capacity of 5 gigawatts and recognized as the largest supercomputing complex outside the United States. The UAE has earmarked investments exceeding AED 543 billion for artificial intelligence in 2024 and 2025.
Dr. Al Mansoori articulated the UAE's vision of AI as a platform for international cooperation and strategic partnerships. He proposed the formation of the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf AI Centre to facilitate research, investment, and legislative collaboration. The centre aims to promote expertise exchange, capacity building, innovation, and the development of governance frameworks to ensure the responsible and secure use of AI technologies.
In closing remarks, Dr. Al Mansoori stressed the importance of countries aligning with technological advancements, investing in knowledge, and fostering innovation-driven economies to achieve a sustainable and stable global economic future. The forum's discussions underscored AI's critical role in economic growth, industrial transformation, and new investment opportunities, along with the necessity for inclusive governance and capacity-building.
Participants recognized the need for enhanced cooperation among governments, parliaments, international organizations, academia, and the private sector to ensure artificial intelligence contributes to sustainable development, economic resilience, and shared prosperity in the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions.