Global tech giants head to Dubai Assembly for Generative AI to tackle humanity’s biggest questions amid GenAI boom

Global technology powerhouses including Meta, Google, Deloitte, PwC and Microsoft will gather in Dubai next week to tackle some of the biggest questions facing humanity in the wake of the generative AI boom. Silicon Valley experts, global AI experts and innovators will join with governments and academia at the Dubai Assembly for Generative AI to assess the opportunities and challenges and lay out a path forward for harnessing generative AI for good. The Dubai Assembly for Generative AI has revealed the list of partners for its 2023 edition, which takes place on 11th to 12th October at the Museum of the Future and AREA 2071 in Emirates Towers in Dubai. The assembly will be held under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, to provide a global platform for exploring the potential of generative AI as well as ways to develop and govern it. The assembly has several goals, foremost of which is providing a deeper understanding of AI, its applications, capabilities, and opportunities. Generative AI is considered one of the world’s most important and fastest growing technologies. McKinsey’s recent report estimated that generative AI is expected to contribute $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy. It is also predicted to raise global GDP by 7 percent over the next 10 years, according to Goldman Sachs. Major local and international bodies join partner list This year's list of strategic partners includes Microsoft, QuantumBlack by McKinsey, Digital Dubai, Meta, PwC, and Deloitte. Other partners include Emirates, SAP , Google, IBM, Nokia Bell Labs, Humanism, HTC VIVE, European Blockchain Association, NVIDIA, Private Office Regulatory Risk in the UK government, Talabat, SuperWolrd, Snap Inc., Careem, World Ethical Data Foundation (WEDF), DEWA, UAE AI Office, Bedu, Tashkeel, Dubai Blockchain Center, and BCG. Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive, Dubai Data & Statistics Establishment, Digital Dubai said: “Guided by the ambitious vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation, the Dubai Assembly for Generative AI is a substantial new milestone in the emirate’s relentless progress and marks a new era where generative AI is already shaping our future. As the entity entrusted with digitalising all aspects of life in Dubai and building the ultimate digital society of the future, Digital Dubai joins the project as Strategic Partner, underlining our commitment to advancing the emirate’s digital transformation journey, and our dedication to embracing advanced technologies – particularly, Artificial Intelligence – to better the lives of all citizens, residents, and visitors to the emirate.” Evelyn Miller, Vice President of Public Policy at Meta, said: “Meta is excited to join thought leaders and decision makers at the Dubai Assembly 2023 to discuss the future of generative AI technology. We believe diverse, global perspectives from industry, academics, governments, and civil society are crucial for responsible AI governance that benefits everyone. Our commitment to Responsible AI aligns with the Dubai Assembly's mission to advance societies with AI, and we deeply believe that an open approach to developing this technology has an important part to play in realizing this vision. In our metaverse journey, AI plays a key role, and we appreciate Dubai's forward-thinking approach in this domain. We look forward to contributing to and learning from this meaningful conversation.” Ali Hosseini, Chief Digital Officer at PwC Middle East, said: "At PwC, we understand the potential and importance of AI for our region and we are helping our clients reshape the workforce and transform their businesses with AI. With decades of experience in the region, we've built trust in society and fostered collaborations with leading academic institutions and tech organisations. This positions us well to harness the momentum of GenAI. Our participation in the Dubai Assembly for Generative AI underscores our dedication to advancing the dialogue on how governments, enterprises, and society contribute to the growth of these emerging technologies." Commenting on Deloitte’s partnership, Yousef Bakawie, AI & Data Leader, Deloitte Middle East said: “Generative AI is arguably one of the most important innovations of late, and Deloitte is thrilled to be part of the Generative Alliance, working with the Dubai government to provide solutions, frameworks and best practices to harness this technology’s opportunities. Dubai is at the forefront of digital innovation and leveraging the benefits of Generative AI technology has the potential to create unprecedented advantages for the Emirates and beyond.” Georg Wolfart, Head of Public Policy, Snap Inc