Dubai, UAE – Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, underscored the nation’s commitment to becoming a global leader in technology and AI during a visit to Google’s Dubai Innovation Hub.The tour emphasized the UAE’s strategic partnerships with tech giants to drive digital transformation under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
UAE & Google: A Strategic Tech Partnership
The visit reinforced the long-standing collaboration between the UAE and Google, which began in 2008 when the company established its largest MENA office in Dubai. Key discussion points included:
AI Innovations
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Google showcased tools like Gemini (AI personal assistant) and NotebookLM (AI-powered research app).
Economic Impact
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Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the 2024 Google Economic Impact Report, detailing contributions to UAE businesses via Search, YouTube, Ads, and Cloud.
Accessibility
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The Google Accessibility Discovery Center—the first in MENA—was highlighted as a milestone for inclusive tech.
Dubai’s Vision: A Global Digital Economy Hub
Sheikh Hamdan reiterated Dubai’s ambitions under D33, which aims to:
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Generate Dh100 billion annually from digital transformation.
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Position the UAE as a top-tier digital economy by 2033.
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Train local talent in AI, with 420,000 individuals already upskilled through Grow with Google.
Why This Matters
Google’s investments align with the UAE’s goals to:
- Pioneer AI-driven governance.
- Attract global tech talent.
- Enhance public-private innovation.
FAQs
Q: How has Google contributed to the UAE’s digital growth?
A: Through AI training programs, economic tools like Ads and Cloud, and the Accessibility Discovery Center.
Q: What is the Dubai Economic Agenda D33?
A: A 10-year plan to rank Dubai among the world’s top 3 digital economies by 2033.
Wrapping Up
The UAE’s partnership with Google signals a transformative era for tech in the region. With AI at the forefront, Dubai is poised to redefine the global digital landscape.
