Page 69 - SAMENA Trends - January-February 2025

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Kuwait and Qatar Discuss Strengthening Cooperation In Communications and

AI

At the AI Action Summit in Paris, Kuwait’s
Communications Minister, Omar Al-Omar,
and Qatar’s Minister of Communications
and Information Technology, Mohammad
Al-Mannai, discussed ways to enhance
cooperation in the fields of communications,
digital technology, and artificial intelligence.
The meeting focused on supporting digital
transformation and innovation in the region.
Al-Omar expressed Kuwait’s commitment
to strengthening both regional and global
development in the communications
and technology sectors. He emphasized
the role of AI technology in advancing
sustainable development and developing
modern digital solutions. Al-Mannai
praised the strong bilateral relationship
between Kuwait and Qatar, highlighting the by over 100 world leaders and 1,000 discuss AI’s impact on the economy and
importance of exchanging capabilities to representatives from civil society and the society, reinforcing the role of international
achieve future goals. The summit, attended private sector, brought together experts to cooperation in this vital field.

UAE Champions AI Governance, Technology Innovation: KPMG-WGS Report

A new KPMG report in collaboration with The UAE AI Charter, released in 2024, re- ethical governance. Joe Devassy, Director
the World Governments Summit (GMC), flects this leadership through its 12 guiding of Strategic Alliance at KPMG Lower Gulf,
titled “The Future of AI Governance: the principles, which prioritise inclusivity, trans- said, “The UAE is rapidly emerging as a
UAE Charter and Global Perspectives”, un- parency, innovation, and accountability. global hub for technology, including ethical
derscored how the UAE’s global leadership The WGS 2025 theme of ‘Shaping Future and responsible AI development – both key
in ethical AI is paving the way for robust AI Governments’, makes this charter espe- themes at this year’s WGS. In this context,
governance in the region. These strategic cially relevant as AI governance becomes the UAE AI Charter is playing a pivotal role
initiatives take centre stage at the WGS in a defining challenge for policymakers. The in consolidating the nation’s ambitions
Dubai, as international leaders gather to principles in the charter are designed to en- to secure a digital future. He added, “The
discuss and define the future of AI, govern- sure that AI technologies enhance human charter is more than a set of guidelines; it
ment services, urbanisation, education and capabilities while safeguarding fundamen- is a precursor to formalised AI regulations
smart mobility. The UAE has successfully tal rights, promote fairness and inclusivity, that are likely to shape the future of AI gov-
embedded technology into government reduce bias and discrimination, maintain ernance in the region. Organisations that
services and aligned its advancements trust through transparency and robust data act now to align with these principles will
with human well-being and societal values. privacy measures and drive innovation with gain a competitive edge, enabling them to
unlock opportunities for responsible in-
novation, positioning themselves as lead-
ers in ethical AI adoption.” Governments
worldwide are shifting from voluntary AI
ethics frameworks to enforceable regula-
tions. Without clear AI oversight, risks like
bias, misinformation, and misuse could
undermine digital governance efforts. Fur-
thermore, businesses that delay alignment
will face serious consequences. The UAE’s
structured approach to AI accountability
benefits businesses and its citizens, who
stand to gain from more transparent, unbi-
ased, and secure AI-driven systems.
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