His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasized that fostering a culture of optimism is a strategic foundation for creating systems capable of developing effective future solutions amid the rapid global advancements in technology and digital transformation.
He pointed out that investing in hope and innovation is no longer an option but a necessity to maximize the positive impact of modern technologies, using them to serve communities and promote sustainable development.
This statement was made during the inaugural dialogue session of the World Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025, organized by the UAE government in collaboration with the World Economic Forum in Dubai, running until October 16.
Key speakers included Robert M. Lee, CEO and co-founder of Dragos in the USA, Azeem Azhar, CEO of Exponential View, and Sylvia Earle from Mission Blue, associated with the National Geographic Society in the USA, with the session moderated by Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum.
His Excellency highlighted that the radical changes occurring globally serve as inspiration and a catalyst for accelerating progress. He affirmed that the UAE’s pioneering approach to transforming challenges into opportunities through the application of digital transformation and advanced technology across vital sectors has positioned it as a model of inspiration at both regional and international levels.
He also remarked that supportive governmental policies and legislation have been crucial in turning technology into a key driver for development and progress, contributing to the establishment of a flexible and inspiring innovation environment.
He added that future generations will be more equipped and aware in dealing with advanced technologies, playing a pivotal role in building a sustainable and promising future in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence aligned with the country’s aspirations and strategic visions.
A Real Challenge
In his remarks, Robert M. Lee noted that the world is experiencing an abundance of advanced technological options characterized by unprecedented levels of security, efficiency, and profitability. However, he highlighted a significant challenge presented by the risk of system failures and their wide-ranging consequences.
Lee stressed the importance of adopting a proactive approach to building a future centered on artificial intelligence, which relies on developing strong digital infrastructure and establishing advanced data centers to ensure the sustainability of cybersecurity and maintain long-term performance efficiency. He stated that sustainability in AI can only be achieved through the integration of technical readiness with strategic vision to ensure the expected future returns from these transformations.
Software Dominance
Azeem Azhar pointed out the noticeable acceleration of software dominance across various aspects of life and business, asserting that it has become the backbone of many vital sectors.
He indicated that despite the immense opportunities offered by software advancements, they also come with complex challenges that require a deep understanding and proactive readiness to tackle, particularly concerning security, sustainability, and managing increasing digital risks.
Azhar praised the UAE’s leading experience, noting that over the past five decades, the nation has built one of the most advanced digital infrastructures globally, surpassing many Western countries in several aspects.
He considered this progress to be one of the key factors in the sustainable development and prosperity journey the country is undergoing, granting it significant competitive advantages in the global digital economy.
Decisive Measures
Similarly, Sylvia Earle asserted that technology has opened vast horizons for humanity to explore the unknown, through deep-sea diving capabilities, the discovery of new worlds, space exploration, and understanding its particularities.
This has led to significant efforts aimed at environmental conservation, especially given the increasing threats facing many living organisms and environmental resources, necessitating decisive and effective actions to secure a sustainable future that reinforces the balance between humanity and nature.
Robert M. Lee
A proactive approach is essential for building an artificial intelligence-based future.
Azeem Azhar
Software has become the backbone of many vital sectors.
Sylvia Earle
Technology has opened vast horizons for humanity to explore the unknown.