Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has appointed Dr. Marwan Alzarouni as its new CEO and Managing Director for Artificial Intelligence, marking a significant step in the emirate's push to embed AI across all government operations.
Sheikh Hamdan's AI Officer Mandate
The appointment follows a landmark directive from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, who approved the placement of 22 chief AI officers across government entities in Dubai. The initiative, announced in June 2024, spans departments including Dubai Police, the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Customs, the Roads and Transport Authority, and the Department of Economy and Tourism, among others.
Sheikh Hamdan described the move as part of "a forward-looking vision aimed at leveraging AI to enhance government operations" and stated it would "enhance Dubai's progress and expertise in the AI sector and consolidate its position as a leader."
Dr. Alzarouni's Vision for Dubai's Economy and Tourism
Dr. Alzarouni is a widely recognised blockchain technology advocate, keynote speaker, and strategic advisor with more than two decades of experience in information security, network security, and digital forensics. He also serves as CEO of the Dubai Blockchain Center, a strategic partner of the Dubai Future Foundation.
In his new role at the DET, he has outlined a clear focus on residents and visitors. "Our AI initiatives are dedicated to prioritising the well-being and experiences of Dubai's residents and visitors," Dr. Alzarouni said.
Dubai's Broader AI Blueprint
Dr. Alzarouni's appointment sits within Dubai's wider Smart City AI strategy, which encompasses the establishment of AI and Web3 incubators, the creation of new data centers and commercial zones, and the issuance of licences for AI companies operating in the emirate.
The strategy positions the DET as a hub for AI-driven economic and tourism development, using intelligent systems to make the city more efficient, sustainable, and attractive to both residents and international visitors.
Dubai Center for Artificial Intelligence
The evaluation and selection process for all 22 chief AI officer roles was overseen by the Dubai Center for Artificial Intelligence, which operates under the Dubai Future Foundation. The Centre's involvement ensures that appointments align with Dubai's long-term AI governance framework and its ambition to lead global AI adoption at the government level.
AI in Dubai's Classrooms
A key early deliverable in the AI blueprint is the launch of AI Week across educational institutions — a programme designed to drive technology adoption and innovation among students and build the next generation of AI-literate talent in Dubai.
