Speaking at the heart of Dubai AI Week, Minister His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama delivered a clear message to businesses: artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s something every company should be actively using.

As the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Al Olama emphasized that being “AI-first” is no longer an edge—it’s a necessity. “We are moving toward a future where AI will drive decision-making, improve services, and reshape industries,” he told the audience. “Companies that ignore this shift risk falling behind.”

Backing up its commitment with action, the UAE has launched initiatives like the AI Seal, a certification already awarded to 325 companies. It highlights organizations that are developing and using AI in responsible, transparent, and secure ways.

Alongside the seal, more than 230 Chief AI Officers have now been appointed across various sectors in the UAE. Their job? To ensure AI is embedded in everything from strategy to service delivery.

Minister Al Olama made it clear that trust is key. “We want people to know that AI is being used for good,” he said. “This isn’t about replacing humans. It’s about using technology to make better decisions, offer faster services, and create new opportunities.”

The message was firm: businesses need to stop thinking of AI as something “nice to have” and start seeing it as a core part of how they operate. As the UAE continues to lead in digital transformation, the rest of the region—and the world—may soon be looking to Dubai as a model for what a tech-driven future can look like.