UAE Delegation In Washington Discusses Cooperation In Future Technologies

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation, DFF, has highlighted the role of building solid international ties, establishing global partnerships, and employing modern technologies across various industries in supporting the UAE's efforts in developing the industry of the future

DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 16th Apr, 2019) Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation, DFF, has highlighted the role of building solid international ties, establishing global partnerships, and employing modern technologies across various industries in supporting the UAE's efforts in developing the industry of the future.

He made these remarks while leading a UAE delegation during his visit to Washington, USA. The delegation included CEO of DFF, Khalfan Belhoul, and comes as part of the preparation to host "FIRST Global", the first international robotics challenge of its kind in the middle East and North Africa, to be held in Dubai in October.

"Robotics is one of the most important future technologies that attract talents from all over the globe, and is considered a key factor in shaping the future of humanity," said Al Olama. "This global competition will serve as a platform for the brightest minds and talents from all around the world, and will help showcase their innovations and creativity in the field of robots," he added.

The delegation met, alongside Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE Ambassador to the United States, US, with a number of American officials at the "Capitol Hill" in Washington, including Rick Perry, US Secretary Of Energy, Steny Hoyer, House Majority Leader, US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Mitt Romney, in addition to Marie Royce, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, and Dean Kamen, founder of 'FIRST Global'.

"What FIRST does, the bringing together of young people in the pursuit of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, may be one of the most important endeavours that we have on the globe.

And the reason is because of the challenges that face us, the questions that have vexed us for long periods of time. It will be this generation that finds the solution to them," said Rick Perry.

He added, "We are proud to see the Dubai Future Foundation host the world’s largest robotics competition, elevating and re-emphasizing the UAE's vision of a developed world that employs various technologies for the benefit of humanity."

US Senator Mitt Romney of Utah said at the reception, "FIRST Global is the chance for young people across the world to get to know each other, to work on similar things, and to see that folks are not as different as they might have imagined because we are all working on the same things and doing it in different ways."

"This global event supports Dubai and the UAE to highlight promising young talents from around the world, equip them with the skills and tools needed for the future, and employ technology in various vital sectors in the changes we witness in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution," Khalfan Belhoul said.

The UAE was announced the winner for hosting 'FIRST Global' Challenge for the first time in the region during the 7th World Government Summit.

The third edition of the Global Challenge will be held in Dubai with more than 2,000 contestants from 193 countries. The teams will be selected based on their results in a series of events throughout the year in various countries.