Abu dhabi: Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, has revealed that the UAE’s commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) began as early as 2008. Abu Dhabi’s initial investments in AI-focused companies and chip technology have positioned the UAE as a significant player in the AI domain. Al Olama emphasized the UAE’s unique multidecade approach to investment, contrasting it with the strategies of other countries.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Olama’s remarks were made during the Expand North Star by GITEX GLOBAL event, which celebrates its 10th anniversary as one of the world’s largest gatherings for startups, investors, and innovators. The event, organized by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, runs until 15th October, aiming to boost collaboration, funding, and the UAE’s status as a global digital economy hub.
Al Olama further stated the importance of learning from international participants to enhance the UAE’s AI capabilities. He expressed the nation’s openness to advice and its commitment to implementing suggestions to drive future advancements.
During the event, Hatem Dowidar, Global CEO of eand, discussed the evolving tech landscape and the role of emerging technologies like 5G. He highlighted the importance of proper AI governance to ensure data integrity and privacy, noting that his company had implemented a comprehensive AI governance system.
The event also featured Presight, a G42 company, which unveiled its AI-Startup Accelerator program’s first cohorts with market-ready prototypes. This program, the UAE’s first dedicated AI acceleration initiative, aims to provide startups with commercial pathways and access to top-tier infrastructure and mentorship. Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, emphasized the program’s global platform and its role in establishing the UAE as an AI innovation hub.
A partnership between Presight and the UAE Cybersecurity Council was also announced, underscoring the importance of cybersecurity in supporting national security. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, highlighted the role of entrepreneurs in advancing national security and critical infrastructure.
The event witnessed record-breaking international participation, with representation from 180 countries. ApexBrasil, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, participated as the first-ever Country Partner, showcasing innovations in AI, fintech, and other sectors.
Expand North Star 2025 featured its largest-ever unicorn showcase, with significant attention on companies like PsiQuantum and talabat. The event also attracted global banking, venture capital, and investment institutions, searching for groundbreaking ventures in technology and innovation.
Held at Dubai Harbour, Expand North Star aims to elevate funding and deal-flow levels, fostering new partnerships and promoting digital growth across emerging AI economies. The event aligns with the UAE’s initiative, ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World,’ which seeks to create 30,000 new jobs by 2030 and develop at least 10 unicorns by 2031, reflecting the government’s ambition to foster innovation and attract global talent.