UAE is reinforcing its position as a global centre for technology and innovation, said H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, during a session at the Dubai Future Forum 2025.
Speaking alongside Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard, Al Olama said the UAE views global change not as a challenge but as an opportunity to strengthen its role as a hub for digital transformation and forward-looking development models.
“The UAE believes that future achievements are driven by a clear, forward-thinking strategy,” Al Olama said. “Progress happens in places that embrace the future with optimism — a principle that defines the vision of both the UAE and Dubai.”
He added that the country’s approach has evolved from asking conventional questions to adopting a mindset based on “Why not?”, reflecting its determination to shape the future through technology and innovation.
During the same session, Miebach revealed that Dubai hosted the world’s first agentic AI payment transaction outside the United States, launched by Mastercard in partnership with Majid Al Futtaim ahead of the forum.
The breakthrough marks a new phase in AI-powered commerce, where autonomous systems can manage the full shopping journey, from recommendations to checkout, based on user preferences and behaviour.
Miebach praised the UAE’s “fast-moving ecosystem” and its balanced regulatory environment, saying it allows Mastercard to innovate with confidence while maintaining user trust and safety. He also called for continued investment in skills and lifelong learning to keep pace with the evolution of AI and fintech.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, the Dubai Future Forum 2025 gathers over 2,500 epxperts from 100 countries. The fourth edition features more than 200 speakers and 70 sessions covering five main themes, including The Future of Societies and The Future of Systems.
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