Sharjah FDI forum 2019 looks into the future of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI), sustainability and Fintech were three of the key sectors under the spotlight at the Sharjah FDI Forum 2019, which opened today (Monday) at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the first day of the two-day forum saw the hosting of presentations and panel discussions that examined how the sectors that are in focus today, such as AI and Fintech, would affect traditional industries and ways of doing business, and how sustainability would be the key element to drive all sectors across the board.

The first to take the stage during the morning session was Azeem Azhar, an entrepreneur, investor, and the creator of Exponential View, with a presentation on AI and other exponential technologies that are transforming business and society. “The 20th century was built on three technologies – car (transport), telephone (communication) and electricity (power). However, these technologies developed at snail’s pace then. It took 60 years for the seatbelt to come of age after the car was invented. Today, the drivers are data and computation – they are disrupting all industries faster than ever.”

According to Azhar, AI, robotics, space technology, synthetic biology technology, renewable energy and blockchain technology are the innovative platforms of the 21st century. “AI is the binding glue of all these platforms. However, AI as it exists today is quite narrow in scope. It’s uses are very specific, such as face recognition. Only when it develops to artificial general intelligence will it become critical.”


Source: Zawya