Sheikh Hamdan, Google Aim to Lead Digital Excellence

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, met with Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google. The discussions focused on expanding partnerships with the global tech giant to further advance Dubai’s digital transformation.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai and the UAE’s unwavering commitment to integrating advanced digital technologies across sectors, positioning the emirate as a hub for global technology innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. “By building strategic partnerships with industry giants like Google, Dubai and the UAE are committed to pioneering new technological solutions and setting global benchmarks,” he said.

He also highlighted Dubai’s vision to lead global digital transformation and establish itself as an international center of excellence for future industries. With its dynamic infrastructure and innovation-friendly environment, Dubai has become a major hub for collaboration among top technology companies, unlocking new avenues for growth, innovation, and value creation in the digital sector.

Sheikh Hamdan noted that future-oriented technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are pivotal to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to generate AED100 billion in annual economic value through digital transformation over the next decade.

The meeting also highlighted Google’s AI Opportunity Initiative—the tech giant’s largest AI investment in the MENA region—with a $15 million commitment to enhance AI accessibility and skill-building. The initiative aims to empower half a million people with AI skills over the next two years, underscoring Google’s dedication to the region.

The meeting was attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai.

Google, which has been headquartered in Dubai since 2008, oversees its MENA operations from the emirate. In 2023, Alphabet, Google’s parent company, reported revenues of over $307 billion, with a 15% increase to $88.27 billion in the July-September quarter of 2024.