Fostering Talent and Innovation in UAE Technology Sector

Shukri Eid, General Manager of IBM Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan, shares insights into IBM’s participation in the recently concluded UAE’s Global Prompt Engineering Championship (GPEC) and its profound implications for talent development and innovation in the engineering sector.

The GPEC, held on May 20th and 21st, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey towards fostering engineering talent and advancing innovation. IBM, in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and the UAE’s Ministry of AI, played a pivotal role as a proud partner of this esteemed event.

Central to IBM’s contribution was its cutting-edge data and AI platform, Watsonx, designated as the official platform for participants to utilize in crafting solutions for real-world challenges. Throughout the championship, IBM hosted Prompt Lab workshops, offering invaluable insights into crafting effective prompts, enhancing AI model capabilities, and leveraging Watsonx.ai, IBM’s enterprise studio for AI builders.

Reflecting on IBM’s participation, Eid highlights the company’s steadfast commitment to the UAE’s technological advancement. IBM views initiatives like GPEC as instrumental in realizing Dubai and the UAE’s ambition of becoming global hubs for talent in Generation AI. By contributing to the nation’s dynamic ecosystem, IBM aims to fuel innovation, empower future generations, and propel the UAE towards greater success.

Eid emphasizes the significant role of initiatives like GPEC in closing the global AI skills gap. The championship provided a platform for aspiring engineers to showcase their skills, collaborate on real-world challenges, and gain invaluable experience, thereby nurturing the next generation of engineering talent.

Furthermore, IBM’s commitment to training two million learners in AI by 2026 remains pivotal in addressing the skills gap. Through collaborations with universities, adult learner training programs, and initiatives like IBM SkillsBuild, the company aims to democratize AI education and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in technology and engineering.

In discussing government initiatives focused on AI, Eid commends the UAE’s forward-thinking approach. Initiatives such as the UAE National AI Strategy 2031 and the establishment of dedicated AI institutions underscore the country’s commitment to AI adoption and governance.

Looking ahead, IBM remains steadfast in its support of the UAE’s AI agenda. Through collaboration, technology expertise, and best practices in AI governance, IBM aims to harness the power of AI to address societal challenges, drive economic growth, and create a better future for all.