AIBC is a conference very close to our hearts here in Dubai - Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni?
Dubai has long established itself as a global hub for innovation, technology, and business. Speaking at the AIBC conference taking place in Dubai today, Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO of Dubai Blockchain Centre reinforced this vision by emphasising the city’s commitment to digital transformation, AI, and blockchain technology.
The Importance of face-to-face engagement
Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni opened his keynote by welcoming attendees to Dubai and highlighting the importance of in-person interactions. Reflecting on the post-pandemic era, he noted how the AIBC conference was one of the first major events to bring business leaders back together. Despite the accessibility of remote work and virtual conferences, he stressed that face-to-face engagement remains irreplaceable for fostering trust, collaboration, and economic growth.
AIBC is one of those conferences very close to our heart here in Dubai. It was the first conference right after Covid. We were surprised by how many people came and how eager people were to do business.
Dubais economic agenda 2033: A bold vision
A key focus of the keynote was Dubais Economic Agenda 2033, a strategic initiative aimed at doubling the citys GDP within a decade. Digital transformation, powered by AI and blockchain, plays a pivotal role in this ambitious goal. Dubais approach ensures that technological advancements align with practical applications, enabling businesses to thrive locally and scale globally – In Dubai we are very keen on setting goals that align people towards a common objective.
Dubais leadership in blockchain began with the Dubai Blockchain Strategy (2016-2020), which laid the foundation for institutional adoption. Recognising the potential of open-source blockchain, the government shifted its focus beyond private blockchains to public, decentralised ecosystems. However, regulatory clarity remained a critical challenge. To address this, Dubai launched the , a made-for-purpose regulator designed to address and look at crypto regulations from a whole new perspective – unlike any other in the world,and to push the industry forward.
AI Ethics and regulation: A forward-thinking approach
Dubais AI journey dates back to 2017, long before large-scale AI models like ChatGPT existed. The government established the AI Ethics Committee to define the core values guiding AI development, ensuring transparency, human-centric innovation, and ethical use. This proactive approach positioned Dubai as a global leader in AI governance, setting standards that businesses and developers must follow, says Dr Al Zarouni.
It played a huge role, not only to position us in Dubai and in the UAE to be at the forefront of AI innovation, but also set the goals that the focus will always be around the enablement of humans, the transparency of AI.
Having a human at the centre of everything we do, and having an open dialogue with the industry, is extremely important to push this industry forward, he concluded.
?The onus is not only on us, on the government, to push the envelope when it comes to innovation and enabling innovation, but also on you as the industry to come and reach out to us.
AI and Blockchain: A symbiotic relationship
Dr. Al Zarouni emphasised the powerful synergy between AI and blockchain. While AI enhances efficiency and decision-making, blockchain ensures transparency, data integrity, and accountability. In Dubai, blockchain is increasingly being used as a trust layer for AI training datasets, intellectual property management, and ethical data sourcing. Smart contracts also facilitate automatic payments to content creators, ensuring fair compensation in AI-driven ecosystems.
Dubais supportive regulatory and business environment
Dubais regulatory framework is designed to enable, not hinder, business success. The city offers a unique value proposition through progressive regulations, business-friendly policies, and various free zones catering to AI and blockchain companies. Organisations can choose from jurisdictions such as DMCC, Dubai Internet City, and DAFZA, each offering tailored regulatory support. Additionally, Dubai provides AI qualification certificates to recognise and certify genuine AI innovators.
Dubai offers a really good value proposition. It has regulation that is forward looking and very close to what the industry wants. We are not regulating to hinder your success but to enable you not only to flourish and thrive but to provide a really good service for your customer, concludes Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni.
A Call to Action: engage, innovate, and grow in Dubai
Dr. Al Zarouni concluded his address by inviting businesses and innovators to engage with Dubais ecosystem. He urged attendees to network, participate in discussions, and explore the wealth of opportunities the city offers. With a strong regulatory foundation, a forward-thinking approach, and an unwavering commitment to technological advancement, Dubai continues to solidify its position as a global leader in AI and blockchain innovation.
For those looking to navigate the regulatory landscape, resources such as the AI Ethics Toolkit and VARA regulations are readily available. Entrepreneurs and businesses are encouraged to take advantage of Dubais supportive environment to scale their ventures and contribute to the citys vision for the future.
?Make sure that you come to all the conferences and events. Make sure that you take it upon yourself to talk to other people and approach other people.Take this opportunity not only to learn, but to visit the booths and listen to what other speakers are saying, the people that you meet, what they have to offer.
