President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has always emphasised the country’s ongoing efforts to establish a safe community and build a sustainable economy capable of competing on an international level, said Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Tolerance, in his inaugural speech at the 7th Chartered Institute for IT, BCS, ICT Conference 2017.

The conference was held today in Abu Dhabi, under the slogan, 'Innovation: Technologies for the Future'.

Sheikh Nahyan added that the UAE has opened its doors to innovation and future technologies.

Sheikh Nahyan went on to say that the UAE’s leadership is committed to shaping an innovative future based on knowledge, which is clearly reflected in the appointment of the first 'Artificial Intelligence Minister' in the world, who was appointed two days after the launch of the UAE Artificial Intelligence strategy by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Adel Salem Al Kaff Al Hashmi, President of the Chartered Institute for IT, BCS, Middle East Chapter and Chairman of the Conference, said that hosting the 7th edition of the conference is part of the vision of the wise leadership to place the UAE in the smart digital era and make it a leader in the transformation to a knowledge-based economy and entrepreneurship.

He added that hosting the international conference in Abu Dhabi strengthens the position of the capital as a leading international destination for information and communication technology, and confirms the UAE’s competitiveness as per the latest international practices.

Philip Parham, UK Ambassador to the UAE, highlighted the importance of the Chartered Institute for IT, BCS, as a professional international organisation that contributes to the establishment of partnerships between technology institutions in the UAE and the UK, to raise the level of technological innovation in education and ensure the establishment of a knowledge-based economy in the UAE.