ABU DHABI, 8th September, 2024 (WAM) — Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sandooq Al Watan, presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sandooq Al Watan and the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office.
The MoU, signed by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud, Expert at the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office, on behalf of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, and Yasser Al Gergawi, Director-General of Sandooq Al Watan, on behalf of Sandooq Al Watan, aims to develop initiatives, projects, and programmes that will strengthen national identity and empower Emirati youth across various sectors.
Following the signing, Sheikh Nahyan reaffirmed Sandooq Al Watan’s openness to partnerships with both public and private institutions, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to advancing the UAE’s youth in line with the country’s strategic vision. This vision, he added, was inspired by the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Sheikh Nahyan emphasised the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing Sandooq Al Watan’s initiatives. He highlighted the importance of utilising AI to design training programs that build essential national skills, foster innovation, and support entrepreneurship. This collaboration will also develop interactive AI-driven platforms aimed at deepening youth engagement with Emirati values and promoting national identity.
In addition, Sheikh Nahyan explained how the partnership will facilitate AI-related consultations and introduce entrepreneurs to advanced AI tools, thus improving project management and operational efficiency. The collaboration will also address employment challenges by identifying AI-driven job opportunities and analysing market needs to better prepare Emirati youth for the future workforce.
He stressed the significance of harnessing AI technologies to further promote Emirati values, noting the development of AI-powered awareness campaigns and interactive workshops aimed at reinforcing national identity among the country’s youth. Sheikh Nahyan expressed his optimism that this partnership will deliver tangible benefits for the sons and daughters of the UAE and praised the Ministry of State for Artificial Intelligence for its dedication to supporting Sandooq Al Watan’s initiatives.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications underscored the importance of building national talent in AI technologies as a key driver of future opportunities. He noted that this effort is essential for fostering an innovation-driven, knowledge-based society and achieving the goals outlined in the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031.
Al Olama described the collaboration with Sandooq Al Watan as a strategic partnership designed to strengthen national capabilities, empower Emirati youth, and equip them with the skills and knowledge required to lead in the future. Through innovative initiatives focused on education, entrepreneurship, and national identity, the partnership aims to open new horizons for the youth of the UAE and reinforce their understanding of cutting-edge technologies.
Yasser Al Gergawi emphasised the importance of AI technologies in enhancing the capabilities of Emirati youth. He highlighted Sandooq Al Watan’s commitment to integrating AI applications into its training programs, which will better prepare young Emiratis for the labour market, support their entrepreneurial ventures, and strengthen their national identity and loyalty.
The MoU with the Ministry of State for Artificial Intelligence, Al Gergawi added, represents a significant enhancement of Sandooq Al Watan’s capacity to provide vital support in this field, ensuring that the nation’s youth are equipped to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
