UAE chosen to join Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again proven its commitment to innovation and collaboration by being selected to join the prestigious Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group, alongside 49 other countries. Omar Al Olama, the Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, expressed his pride in this achievement, highlighting the UAE’s dedication to excellence and leadership in the global arena.

The Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group was established during the 49th G7 Summit in Japan last May, with the goal of creating a comprehensive framework for the responsible advancement of AI technology. This initiative aims to address potential risks associated with the rapid evolution of AI while promoting its safe and ethical development.

As the only Arab country and the sole representative from the region in this esteemed group, the UAE has once again demonstrated its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. Other countries in the group include major players like the US, UK, Canada, India, Japan, South Korea, and Spain, underscoring the significance of the UAE’s inclusion in this global initiative.

The recently released code of conduct by the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group outlines various actions that organizations working in the field of AI should follow to mitigate risks associated with AI development. These actions include addressing potential risks related to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, as well as risks arising from self-replicating AI models.

The international framework established by the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group is just one of many global efforts aimed at setting standards and addressing the potential dangers of AI technology. In October, the UK hosted an AI Summit that resulted in the Bletchley Declaration, which proposed strategies for preventing catastrophic harm from AI technology, whether intentional or unintentional.

The UAE has been proactive in its approach to AI development and regulation, with initiatives such as the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, which was established in 2019 as one of the world’s first higher education institutions dedicated solely to AI. Additionally, the UAE has been a key player in discussions around AI safety measures and auditing, as highlighted by a meeting between Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, and Omar Al Olama during the 2024 World Governments Summit in Dubai.

With its continued focus on innovation and collaboration, the UAE is well-positioned to lead the way in shaping the future of AI technology on a global scale. As the world grapples with the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, the UAE’s participation in initiatives like the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group reaffirms its status as a trailblazer in the field of technology and innovation.