A session titled “AI: Secret Weapon or Your Worst Nightmare?” at the Arab Media Forum highlighted Dubai’s and the UAE’s renewed commitment to tapping into the immense potential of this groundbreaking technology. The session was conducted under the auspices of the Dubai Media Council as part of the Arab Media Summit 2025 and featured Dr. Marwan Alzarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Artificial Intelligence at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, alongside Hamad Al Shirawi, Director of Projects at Dubai Future Foundation.
At the very beginning of the session, Dr. Alzarooni dispelled any speculation about AI’s impact across various aspects of life, emphatically declaring, “AI is here to stay.”
The UAE is embarking on bold initiatives to leverage AI, marking just the beginning, he noted. In the media sector as well, a range of economic initiatives is being implemented to create a value chain for media content creators.
Dr. Alzarooni emphasized that it is never too late to ride the AI wave, with abundant opportunities available for upskilling through online content and initiatives within the UAE. The responsibility rests significantly on individuals to utilize this technology constructively in all areas of life. Dubai continues to gather evidence of the value that AI brings to numerous government entities, with key focus areas including healthcare, property technology, logistics, and sustainable manufacturing.
He also warned that the divide between AI users and non-users will continue to widen, with users benefiting from significantly more detailed and scalable content.
In several industries, the gap between AI users and non-users is already pronounced, he remarked, adding that we are moving toward ‘vibe coding,’ where ‘one-man startups’ will be able to perform tasks with dramatically reduced overhead costs and payrolls.
In turn, Al Shirawi underscored Dubai’s and the UAE’s vision to ‘embrace’ AI. He highlighted ongoing collaboration with public entities to catalog best use cases involving AI, asserting Dubai’s strong desire to harness the vast possibilities of the technology.
Inclusivity in AI transition
Al Shirawi cited Dubai Police as an example of effective AI application, noting a 300 percent improvement in solving cases related to lost-and-found items. A routine task, which was historically susceptible to human error, has been greatly simplified and enhanced through the use of AI.
Moreover, he elaborated on the importance of inclusivity in the change brought by AI, emphasizing that the community must be engaged throughout this transition. He sought to alleviate fears surrounding AI, recalling the initial concerns when the internet emerged, which led to widespread anxieties about job displacement and economic instability, until society adapted.
Al Shirawi asserted the necessity of understanding challenges and the productivity improvements that AI can offer, reaffirming that Dubai is an ideal location for innovation.
He cited the One Million Prompters initiative as an illustration of this readiness to lead in AI adoption. The initiative aims to elevate the baseline for AI integration and empower experts based on the best use cases across various sectors.
In conclusion, Al Shirawi emphasized that AI is no longer just a secret weapon; it has evolved into an essential tool for everyone. It is crucial for individuals to leverage it wisely, with his caution that opting not to use this technology could lead to a nightmarish scenario.
