When it comes to the use of artificial intelligence, as well as literacy, training and optimism over the technology, the UAE is ahead of the global average, a survey has found.
Accounting and consultancy firm KPMG, which collaborated with the University of Melbourne for the analysis that surveyed people from 47 countries, said 89 per cent of respondents in the UAE experienced “the benefits of AI”, while the global average hovered at about 83 per cent.
More strikingly, 97 per cent of UAE respondents said they had recently used AI “for work, study or personal purposes”.
Matin Jouzdani, who leads KPMG lower Gulf’s data and analytics division, said the enthusiasm for AI should not be mistaken for blind optimism. “Our research reinforces an overwhelming acceptance of AI in the UAE, but there is also strong public support for appropriate AI regulation," he added.
The KPMG study showed that, despite a high rate of AI adoption in the UAE, 84 per cent of those surveyed indicated “they would be more willing to trust AI systems if assured of trustworthy use".
Lei Gao, chief technology officer of Singapore-based AI customer engagement firm SleekFlow, said the poll showed the need to disclose when AI was utilised, along with a steady stream of reliable information about how it was used. “People are comfortable using AI as long as they believe it’s being used responsibly,” he said.
“In customer communication, for example, users trust AI when it behaves predictably and transparently," he added. "If they can’t tell when automation is making a decision, or if it feels inconsistent, that trust starts to erode.”
In an attempt to assure the quality of AI tools and apps, the Dubai government announced the introduction of AI seals to better inform businesses, organisations and people about which AI offerings can be trusted in terms of quality.
The UAE has been pushing to be an AI front-runner as it diversifies its economy away from oil. The country’s affinity for research into the tech has resulted in the establishment of start-ups, partnerships and investments from industry leaders including Microsoft, Nvidia and OpenAI.
In 2019, the UAE announced the establishment of a university dedicated to the tech, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. Two years earlier, the Emirates was among the first countries in the world to appoint an AI minister, Omar Al Olama.
The UAE has also teamed up with the US to develop an AI campus, which to include 5GW of capacity for AI data centres, in Abu Dhabi. The country's investments in AI have also led to the creation of language models such as Falcon Arabic, part of an effort to ensure aspects of Arabic culture are not left behind in the AI surge, as many large language models were initially based on English language data.
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Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
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The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
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3pm: 49kg female: Mayssa Bastos (BRA) v Thamires Aquino (BRA)
3.07pm: 56kg male: Hiago George (BRA) v Carlos Alberto da Silva (BRA)
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Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
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Role: Left-arm spinner
One-day internationals: 31 matches, 35 wickets, average 31.4, economy rate 3.95
T20 internationals: 41 matches, 29 wickets, average 30.3, economy rate 6.28
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