DUBAI 29 April 2019: The UAE Government, in cooperation with the World Economic Forum (WEF), inaugurated yesterday the Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in the UAE.
The centre, at Area 2071, Emirates Towers in Dubai, is the first of its kind in the region and the fifth globally.
In line with the rapid global changes and developments of 4IR, the center aims at preparing strategies, policies and developing solutions to the most pressing challenges in the region and the world. In addition, it works towards developing mechanisms, applications and uses for the fourth industrial revolution in the UAE.
Promising Opportunities
C4IR UAE is a collaboration between the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and the World Economic Forum.
An affiliate center of C4IR San Francisco, opened in 2017, C4IR UAE researches key focus areas in the fourth industrial revolution network: Blockchain and Distributed Ledger, AI and Machine Learning, and Precision Medicine.
Blockchain is the first project area launched under C4IR UAE in 2019 and will look into the governance frameworks around implementing blockchain across government sectors. The center will also trial a supply chain pilot, focusing on the correct governance protocols and practices with regards to security, data privacy and identity verification within blockchain. Across the three project areas, C4IR UAE aims to showcase UAE case studies, policy, and governance frameworks to WEF’s global network, as well as develop new research and policy around relevant UAE 4IR topics.
The UAE is continuously developing new business models that are dependent on technology and the outcomes of 4IR, to join global efforts for shaping a better future, said Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of the UAE Cabinet Affairs and The Future, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation.
Borge Brende, President of WEF said: “In the 4IR, countries and businesses need to move fast or risk getting left behind. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain have the power to benefit everyone, but they must be shaped strategically to maximize the benefits and mitigate the risks.
“We are looking forward to working with the UAE to accelerate the impact of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network’s work in this area and scale projects globally.”
The Centre’s official launch follows the MOU signing that took place at the Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year, in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.
The Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution in the UAE, seen as the fifth of its kind in the world after the United States of America, Japan, India and China, comes as part of the strategic partnership between the UAE government and the World Economic Forum.
