Omar Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasized that fostering a culture of optimism is a strategic foundation for establishing systems capable of generating effective future solutions amid the rapid transformations driven by technology and digital change.
He noted that investing in hope and innovation is no longer an option but a necessity to maximize the positive impact of modern technologies and harness them for community service and sustainable development.
This statement was made during the inaugural panel of the World Futures Councils and Cybersecurity 2025 event, hosted by the UAE government in partnership with the World Economic Forum in Dubai, running until October 16.
Participants in the session included Robert M. Lee, CEO and co-founder of Dragos in the USA, Azeem Azhar, CEO of Exponential View, and Sylvia Earle from the National Geographic’s Mission Blue, with the discussion moderated by Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum.
Al Olama remarked that the radical changes occurring globally serve as an inspiration and catalyst for accelerating progress. He highlighted the UAE’s pioneering experience in converting challenges into opportunities, leveraging digital transformation and advanced technology across various critical sectors, making it an inspiring model both regionally and internationally.
He asserted that supportive governmental policies and regulations have been crucial in transforming technology into a primary driver for growth and development, contributing to the establishment of a flexible and inspiring environment for innovation.
He added that future generations will be more equipped and conscious in dealing with advanced technologies, playing a crucial role in building a sustainable and promising future in technology and artificial intelligence, aligned with the nation’s strategic aspirations.
A Real Challenge
Robert M. Lee acknowledged that the world is experiencing an abundance of advanced technological options characterized by unprecedented levels of security, efficiency, and profitability. However, he pointed out that this progress comes with a significant challenge regarding the risks associated with system disruptions and their wide-ranging consequences.
He stressed the importance of adopting a proactive approach to build a future based on artificial intelligence, focusing on developing strong digital infrastructure and creating advanced data centers to ensure cybersecurity sustainability and long-term performance efficiency. He noted that sustainability in AI can only be achieved by integrating technical readiness with strategic vision to guarantee the anticipated future returns from these transformations.
Software Dominance
Azeem Azhar stated that the world is witnessing a notable acceleration in software dominance across various aspects of life and business, with software becoming the backbone of many vital sectors.
He pointed out that while software advancements present tremendous opportunities, they also bring complex challenges that necessitate deep awareness and proactive readiness to address them, particularly concerning security, sustainability, and managing increasing digital risks.
Azhar praised the UAE’s leading experience, indicating that the country has built one of the most advanced digital infrastructures over the past five decades, excelling in many aspects compared to several Western nations.
He considered this progress a key factor in the sustainable development and prosperity journey that the UAE is experiencing, providing it with a competitive advantage in the global digital economy.
Decisive Actions
In this context, Sylvia Earle affirmed that technology has opened vast horizons for humanity to explore the unknown, through deep-sea diving technologies, discovering new worlds, and exploring space and its peculiarities.
This has led to significant efforts to preserve the environment, particularly in light of the increasing threats facing many species and natural resources. Such circumstances call for decisive and effective actions to ensure a sustainable future that fosters balance between humanity and nature.
Robert M. Lee
Emphasizing the need for a proactive approach in building an AI-driven future.
Azeem Azhar
Highlighting that software has become the backbone of many critical sectors.
Sylvia Earle
Stating that technology has opened vast possibilities for humanity to explore the unknown.