Amid discussions on economic policies, the climate crisis, and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, TRENDS interviewed Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation.
He shared his insights on the urgent need for a unified approach to address global challenges, ranging from climate issues to policy frameworks and the governance of emerging technologies like generative AI.
As the world confronts numerous challenges, Belhoul emphasized the critical importance of developing unified solutions. Climate change and AI regulation have emerged as pivotal issues requiring collaborative efforts and innovative strategies.
In our exclusive interview, Belhoul shed light on how the Dubai Future Foundation plans to navigate these challenges in 2024 and the organization’s plans for the year ahead.
Q: Could you give us an overview of what happened last year and what we can expect in 2024 from the Dubai Future Foundation? What are you doing, and what does your organization plan to do in 2024?
A: The Dubai Future Foundation has been established to propel Dubai to be ten years ahead in understanding where the future is heading. So, we are constantly focusing on the main areas that Dubai and the world need to concentrate on. The world’s significant topics, whether they be climate, policy, or artificial intelligence regulation, are known. Now, the challenge lies in generative AI (GenAI) and how to govern these technologies.
The world has been giving us many signs that unity is needed… the only way forward is to develop a unified solution to resolve all these challenges.
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO, Dubai Future Foundation
Yet, the greatest challenge, I believe, will be the efforts that should unfold in 2024. The world has been giving us many signs that unity is needed. When discussing unity, we consider it from a geopolitical perspective. Geopolitical fragmentation exists, as does economic fragmentation, with various economies around the world focusing on different priorities.
When it comes to regulation and adopting technology, we witness fragmentation. A major sign for 2024 is that the only way forward is to develop a unified solution to resolve all these challenges. While it’s easier said than done, we need to capitalize on conversations like the one in Davos to develop tools and platforms that will unite us across continents and globally.
To fully embrace generative AI… there must be unity, alignment, and a global test bed staffed by like-minded individuals.
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO, Dubai Future Foundation
There’s no way to resolve policies effectively if each country adopts different regulations. To fully embrace generative AI, for example, there must be unity, alignment, and a global test bed staffed by like-minded individuals. So, in 2024, I believe the message will be: How do we truly embrace these ideas and collaborate as a global community to address these challenges?
Q: As you mentioned, we live in a fragmented world. Do you believe that technology could be a unifying force in the future?
A: Absolutely. Technology will make our lives much more efficient. Humanity has always adapted to technology. When you look at various technologies worldwide, whether it’s airplanes, which we now ride comfortably, or embracing the Internet, adaptation is evident. Yes, jobs will change, but humanity has always successfully adapted, and this trend will continue.
The same can be said for generative AI. We have only begun to scratch the surface. Imagine combining Gen AI, robotics, and quantum computing. This combination will result in tremendous opportunities, but there’s also significant risk if we don’t adapt to it appropriately.
Technology will make our lives much more efficient… humanity has always adapted to technology… The same can be said for generative AI.
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO, Dubai Future Foundation
Technology is the solution, but how we deploy it and build the right ecosystem to extract the most value will continue to be our biggest challenge.
Q: Could you give us an overview of how the Dubai Future Foundation collaborates with global stakeholders?
A clear example is our current presence in Davos and our partnership with the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is affiliated with Davos. We will sign partnerships with various centers around the world from different countries, leveraging the World Economic Forum network to become a platform of hope and create unified solutions worldwide. So, we’re engaging with those centers. One of the initiatives we’re looking into is the AI fellowship program, ensuring that we’re all running similar programs to adopt and embrace technology in the same way. This is one attempt to demonstrate that such convergence can be extremely beneficial when used correctly.
Q: Are there any specific plans you have for the Dubai Future Foundation, particularly in 2024?
A: Our biggest challenge, and the primary focus, is developing unified solutions and programs that will bring us all together. A key priority for us is ensuring that Dubai and the UAE are investing more in research and development. Aligning those ideas and innovations with the world is crucial to ensure that they can scale up on a global basis. Increasing spending and venture capital investment will be very significant for us in Dubai. This will be one of the largest efforts of the Dubai Future Foundation in 2024.
Q: Is AI a force for good or bad?
Absolutely good. As I mentioned before, we must accept and embrace it. However, it’s important to recognize that humanity has always prevailed in optimizing such opportunities.