AI works best when everyone is able to use it

For over a decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been setting ambitious targets for artificial intelligence (AI), integrating the technology at various levels of government, business, and education. However, the true impact of AI cannot be measured solely by its complexity but by the number of individuals who can utilize it.

Many common people remain unfamiliar with AI, which is primarily promoted by powerful and distant technology companies. While there is excitement surrounding possible AI breakthroughs in medicine and scientific discoveries, high-profile stories about job losses to AI, or autonomous digital agents hacking rival companies, have raised concerns about its applications.

In response to these concerns, the launch of AiNative, a new training program, in Abu Dhabi this week marks a significant step in redefining citizens' and residents' relationship with AI. This program, developed by the UAE's Department of Government Enablement in collaboration with OpenAI, Microsoft, and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, aims to provide 20,000 government employees with AI training by the end of the year. The program's ultimate goal is to eventually make it accessible to all citizens and residents.

The significance of AiNative lies in its public component, which seeks to demonstrate how AI adoption can benefit practical aspects of life, such as finding employment, managing personal finances, running a small business, or creating content responsibly. This approach acknowledges that the advent of highly capable AI systems will impact everyone, regardless of their involvement in technology.

Technology can both widen and reduce inequalities, and those who quickly grasp new tools may gain an advantage, while those lacking access or confidence in using AI risk being left behind. This issue has been observed with other transformative technologies, such as older people struggling with personal banking or medical appointments in an increasingly online world.

This public element of AiNative is crucial as it demonstrates that the arrival of increasingly capable AI systems affects everyone. By giving as many people as possible the opportunity to understand AI, they will be better equipped to recognize its strengths and weaknesses, as well as use it responsibly. The objective is not to make everyone a computer scientist, but to enable them to participate confidently in the digital era.

Knowledge can dispel doubts and create opportunities; by fostering an AI-enabled society, the potential for success becomes even greater.