Dubai, UAE – April 2025 — As the world’s attention increasingly turns toward the future of technology, Dubai is rapidly positioning itself as a global epicenter. Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary General of the Dubai Digital Asset Association, shared his reflections on this transformation during an insightful conversation at the Dubai AI Festival.
Dubai’s Rising Status on the Global Stage
Describing the event, Ereiqat emphasized the unique role Dubai now plays as a meeting point for global innovation.
“Dubai is becoming the center where East and West, North and South converge,” Ereiqat observed. “The whole world is coming together here to collaborate on the future of emerging technologies.”
The Dubai AI Festival — part of the larger Dubai AI Week — is more than just an event. It is a reflection of the city’s ambition to lead globally in AI, digital assets, and technological innovation.
Agentic AI: The New Frontier — With Ethical Caution
Turning to trends in AI, Ereiqat pointed to the rise of agentic AIs — intelligent agents capable of handling repetitive and simple tasks autonomously.
“Think of any mundane task that can be broken down into one, two, three — now being performed by AI agents,” he explained. This advancement opens vast opportunities for automation, cost-saving, and efficiency.
However, Ereiqat issued a word of caution. As companies chase millions in savings, ethical considerations often get overlooked. AI’s inherently intrusive nature — making decisions on behalf of humans — demands a strong, proactive focus on ethical boundaries and responsible deployment.
“Ethical considerations must stay at the forefront, even amidst the excitement over AI’s potential,” he stressed.
Dubai’s Forward-Looking Approach to AI Regulation
While Ereiqat noted he couldn’t comment directly on the government’s specific future plans, he praised Dubai’s proactive legislative steps regarding AI.
Dubai has embedded AI into its legislative processes, ensuring that the rapid pace of technological advancement is matched by thoughtful regulation. With initiatives like Dubai AI Week, the city is signaling its commitment to shaping an AI-powered future responsibly.
“I’m very optimistic,” said Ereiqat. “The leadership here consistently makes public announcements, ensuring transparency and inclusivity as they move forward.”
Entrepreneurship: The Engine of Dubai’s New Economy
Ereiqat also participated in a panel discussion focusing on entrepreneurship and economic transformation. He highlighted how talent, capital, and infrastructure are converging to reshape Dubai’s economic landscape.
“Dubai is the perfect amalgamation of these three pillars,” he explained. “And this convergence is setting Dubai apart in the race to dominate the 21st-century economy.”
From AI to blockchain, Dubai’s nurturing environment for startups and innovators is setting the city up not just as a participant but as a leader in global technological advancement.
Conclusion: A City Poised for the Future
Saqr Ereiqat’s message was clear: Dubai’s future is bright — but only with a careful balance between innovation and ethics. With a growing ecosystem that champions emerging technologies, responsible legislation, and entrepreneurial spirit, Dubai is well on its way to becoming the heartbeat of the global digital economy.
