DUBAI, 23rd April, 2025 (WAM) - Experts participating at the Duba AI Festival emphasised that the UAE no longer approaches artificial intelligence (AI) as a mere experiment or research project, but as a comprehensive "operating system" that is reshaping both the public and private sectors.
Parminder Bhatia, Chief AI Officer at GE Healthcare, stated that AI technologies represent a qualitative shift in the healthcare sector, directly contributing to the improvement of service quality and accelerating diagnosis and treatment. He noted that the UAE is making significant progress in adopting AI through advanced digital infrastructure and a clear strategic vision.

Speaking on the sidelines of the festival in Dubai, Bhatia highlighted that the UAE is actively embracing AI and accelerating the digital transformation of hospitals, especially in light of rising rates of chronic disease. He emphasized that the UAE is among the first countries to apply AI technologies in healthcare, and that some of GE Healthcare's AI-powered solutions have been successfully implemented within the country-reflecting the UAE's innovation-friendly environment.

He added that AI is no longer a theoretical concept but a fundamental component of modern medical systems. GE Healthcare currently owns the largest number of AI-powered medical devices approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Rob van Dale, Senior Partner and Digital & Analytics Practice Leader Middle East Africa Region at Kearney, stressed that what's happening in the UAE is a model of institutional and integrated AI governance.

He noted that the UAE was the first country in the world to appoint a Minister of Artificial Intelligence in 2017. Since then, governmental policies have been merged with practical actions. He also cited the establishment of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)-the world's first university dedicated to AI-and the launch of Falcon 40B, one of the world's leading open-source large language models in 2024.

Van Dale added that the global private sector has quickly aligned with the UAE's AI direction, referencing Microsoft's $1.5 billion investment in G42, the launch of a $1 billion joint AI and cloud computing fund, and increased participation from local venture capital funds, family offices, and sovereign wealth funds, which are shifting focus from hydrocarbons to high-computation startups.

Van Dale emphasised that AI has moved from being a line item under research and development budgets to a foundational pillar shaping the future of the national economy.

Regarding research, he referenced a recent Kearney study showing that the UAE follows successful models that blend technology with lifestyle, enhancing its ability to attract AI talent by 35%, and doubling venture capital investments. He pointed to the Dubai AI Campus as a prime example of this vision, combining scientific research with advanced workspaces.