UAE Announces Sandooq Al Watan’s Sponsorship of Microsoft’s Global AI Competition

ABU DHABI: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sandooq Al Watan, announced the sponsorship of the global artificial intelligence competition, "Imagine Cup UAE", organized by Microsoft. This initiative aligns with Sandooq Al Watan's mission to foster national pride and uphold values through technology and innovation. According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Nahyan highlighted the sponsorship as a reflection of Sandooq Al Watan's commitment to developing the capabilities of Emirati youth. The collaboration with schools and universities through the "Artificial Intelligence Innovator" initiative aims to prepare students to responsibly use technology and contribute to societal advancement. The announcement was made during the launch event attended by UAE university presidents, AI pioneers, and students. The event also featured the inauguration of the "AI Innovations and Applications" exhibition and a series of introductory sessions on the competition for school and university students. Sheikh Nahyan also witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and Microsoft, aimed at advancing AI technologies in the UAE. He expressed confidence in the country's leadership and its commitment to maintaining a leading position in global technological advancements. The "Imagine Cup UAE" competition encourages young Emiratis to engage with AI technologies to drive economic growth, societal transformation, and tackle global challenges such as health, education, and climate change. The competition also focuses on ethical considerations in AI, cultural preservation, and capacity building. Sheikh Nahyan invited Emirati students to participate actively in the competition, emphasizing the importance of embodying values such as commitment, transparency, and excellence. He concluded by reaffirming Sandooq Al Watan's dedication to equipping young Emiratis with the skills needed to navigate and contribute t o technological advancements. The event also honored several students and experts for their contributions to the field of AI, including the youngest Emirati inventor, Ali Humaid Al Loughani, who recently received international recognition for his inventions. Julien Bertin, Azure Lead for Microsoft CEMA, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it will empower young innovators in the UAE and contribute to the country's AI transformation and global innovation leadership.