UAE 'an exceptional model' in developing AI policies, says Omar Al Olama

The UAE’s proactive approach to regulating and deploying artificial intelligence was in focus at BRIDGE Summit 2025 on Wednesday, where the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, warned that industries and nations hesitant to adopt AI risk being left behind.

Speaking in a session titled “Order and Oversight in a World Run by Code,” Omar Sultan Al Olama said technological disruption is accelerating so quickly that only organisations prepared to integrate AI “from the ground up” will maintain competitiveness. He pointed to recent strategic shifts in global media, citing Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Brothers, as evidence of how fast the landscape is reorganising around technology-enabled players.

He said, “Technologically enabled companies are going to absorb companies that are not technology enabled. A few decades ago when people talked about streaming content on the internet, the Blockbusters of the time - the cinema companies - saw this as something temporary that would go away and it is now completely consuming all the different players and becoming the new behemoth in this domain.”

He stated that the UAE, guided by the vision of its leadership, adopts a proactive approach and an exceptional model in developing policies related to artificial intelligence. This approach is driven by enhancing cooperation and partnerships between the government and the private sector to establish frameworks that ensure the responsible development, use, and efficient management of smart technologies, building on a successful cumulative experience and extensive expertise in managing technological transformations.

Al Olama said, “The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence will reshape the skills required in the workforce market. In the coming years, we will witness the emergence of a new generation of professionals with diverse expertise and capabilities, positioning UAE companies not only to compete globally, but to lead and shape the future of international markets.

On the media and content sector, Al Olama noted that AI offers enormous promise in analysis, content generation and production, but also raises challenges that require strong human-machine integration to maintain quality and originality. While AI can now produce music and other creative outputs, he said it still does not surpass human creativity.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring AI systems understand local cultures and values, arguing that this is essential to protecting intellectual heritage and ensuring responsible adoption.

The session was part of the more than 300 discussions taking place at the debut BRIDGE Summit, held from December 8–10 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, bringing together global leaders in media, technology and innovation.