UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan participated in the G7 Summit in Puglia, Italy on 14 June 2024, addressing a landmark session on artificial intelligence and energy — and urging world leaders to ensure new technologies drive development rather than deepen global divides.
UAE President at the G7 Italy AI and Energy Session
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended the invitation to Sheikh Mohamed and opened the session titled "Energy and Artificial Intelligence / Africa and the Mediterranean Region." In his address, the UAE President stressed that the Middle East and Africa region faces serious challenges in the energy sector, and that collective, cooperative action is essential to address them.
Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the UAE's commitment to building an integrated artificial intelligence ecosystem — spanning programmes, legislation, strategic initiatives, and international partnerships. The goal, he said, is to deploy AI for energy sustainability, ensure energy security, and deliver sustainable economic and social development.
AI Must Bridge — Not Widen — the Global Development Gap
The UAE President called for responsible, inclusive handling of emerging technologies. He urged that the meeting's outcomes should lead to AI being used as an instrument for development, security, and welfare — not as a force that widens the developmental divide between nations or increases global polarisation.
His comments reinforced the UAE's position as an international advocate for equitable access to technology, particularly for developing economies in the Middle East and Africa.
UAE Innovation Showcase at the G7
Following Sheikh Mohamed's address, a video presentation highlighted the UAE's progress in integrating artificial intelligence with sustainable energy. The presentation featured insights from two senior officials: Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; and Faisal Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs.
The session brought together other prominent figures, including Pope Francis and Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania and current Chair of the African Union.
The UAE delegation included Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, along with senior ministers and officials including Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation.
