Speakers of the 9th edition (2024)

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama was appointed UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence as the first minister in this field internationally in 2017. Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications were added to his role in July 2020.

By enhancing government performance with artificial intelligence, increasing the adoption of future technologies, supporting the digital transformation, and promoting remote work applications, His Excellency is spearheading the UAE’s growth as a global hub for the digital economy.

His Excellency currently serves as the Vice Chairman of Dubai’s Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy. He is also the Managing Director of the World Government Summit, a member of the Board of Trustees for the Dubai Future Foundation and its Managing Director. His Excellency also serves as Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and Chairman Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Council and Vice Chairman of the Higher Committee for Government Digital Transformation.

HE as well is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Digital School, Chairman of MBZUAI’s Advisory Board, a member in Emirates Competitiveness Council since 2022 and a member The UAE Genomics Council since 2021.

In 2017, the UAE government named His Excellency a member of the Future of Digital Economy and Society Council at the World Economic Forum. 

During his work in the Future Department at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, His Excellency participated in developing the UAE Centennial 2071 strategy that aims to position the UAE as the best country in the world. He also participated in creating the structure of the UAE’s digital infrastructure, developing the UAE Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy that aims to promote the UAE’s status as a global hub for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and develop a national economy based on knowledge, innovation, and future technologies. Prior to his appointment, His Excellency accomplished digital achievements and developed future strategies such as the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the first of its kind globally.

His Excellency worked in several sectors including finance, telecommunications, private enterprises, and government. He also developed and executed strategies, risk analysis, change management and scenario planning.

His Excellency holds a Diploma in Project Management and Excellence from the American University of Sharjah and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the American University of Dubai.