Oracle, on Sunday, opened its first innovation hub (AI center) in Dubai, to expand the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning across Middle East and Africa region.
Oracle announced the hub on the occasion of hundredth birth anniversary of late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (UAE’s founding father). It has been named ‘Zayed Innovation Hub’, and is the first step toward ‘Year of Zayed’ initiative in the country. 
Powered by Oracle machine learning and AI solutions, the hub will be a resource for AI research for government, academia, as well as private sector. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for AI in UAE, inaugurated the hub in the presence of Oracle senior executives.
“The success of strategic government initiatives like Smart Dubai and Expo 2020 is underpinned with emerging digital technologies such as AI driving the creation of an automated infrastructure for the realisation of these projects,” said Arun Khehar, senior vice-president – business applications, ECEMEA, Oracle.
As per the data from Forrester, the businesses which use AI, IoT, and other emerging technologies will uncover new business insights, and take away $1.2 trillion per annum from their less informed peers by 2020.
However, AI adoption is critical and key challenge for organizations. Arun Khehar said that ‘Zayed Innovation Hub’ will address this challenge by engaging with key audiences. It will raise the awareness levels, drive innovation approach and support the skills development of next generation of Emirati leaders.
With the AI innovation hub in Dubai, Oracle intends to expand the accessibility of emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and internet of things (IoT). Over 400 cloud sales professionals have already been employed at the Zayed Innovation Hub.
“The Zayed Innovation Hub represents a milestone in the artificial intelligence space, not only in the UAE but also in the region and to position the UAE as a global leader in AI. We expect this initiative to encourage other technology companies to emulate Oracle in supporting and training students and the Emirati youth,” said Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama.
Oracle’s innovation hub is the eleventh innovation hub at Dubai Internet City (DIC) in last 17 years. Dubai has been seamlessly transforming itself into an innovation hub from the trading hub for past few years.
Also read: Amazon looking to establish its presence in Saudi Arabia
“AI will be embedded into the solutions and not as a standalone technology. It will create more jobs than it eliminates but of a different profile,” said Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Sr. VP for technology at Oracle Middle East and Africa.
