The United Arab Emirates today appointed the country’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in a cabinet reshuffle that saw several new appointments.
“Today we announce the appointment of a minister for artificial intelligence. The next global wave is artificial intelligence and we want the UAE to be more prepared for it,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, announced in a tweet in Arabic issued through his official Twitter account.
“Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama has been appointed as minister for artificial intelligence. At 27, Omar succeeded in leading [the] World Government Summit and the state’s strategy for artificial intelligence,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.
Earlier this week, the UAE launched its strategy for artificial intelligence aimed at improving government performance through the adoption of advanced technologies.
Sheikh Mohammed also announced the appointment of 30 year-old Sara Al Amiri as Minister for Advanced Sciences, adding that she has already held roles leading the UAE Council of Scientists and the UAE’s Mars Mission science team.
Among the announcements made in a series of tweets by Sheikh Mohammed was the appointment of Maryam Al Mehairi as the Minister of State for Food Security.
“Food security is a national future issue that depends on research, science and projects. We have high confidence in our youth,” another Arabic tweet said.
Other announcements included the appointment of Nasser Thani Al Hameli as Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
"We are still slow in Emiratisation and Nasser has a huge mission ahead," Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.
Other appointments in the UAE cabinet included Noura Al Kaabi as Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, Zaki Nusseibeh as a Minister of State, Hessa Buhumaid as the Minister of Community Development, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan as Minister of State for Tolerance and Abdullah Mohammad bin Touq as Secretary-General of the UAE Cabinet.
© ZAWYA 2017
