AI Everything Global 2025: A Benchmark for Thoughtful AI Progress

I was delighted to participate in the "AI Everything Global 2025" event that took place yesterday, the 4th of Feb, in Abu Dhabi. It was a standout event in a landscape increasingly saturated with AI conferences. With so many gatherings focusing on artificial intelligence worldwide, it is easy to feel that we are hearing the same discussions repeated. However, this event was different. It was not just another forum where AI trends were discussed in broad strokes; it was a showcase of real-world applications, critical insights, and an honest reflection on the opportunities and challenges AI presents.

The event served as a remarkable convergence of visionary thought leaders, influential policymakers, pioneering researchers, and industry trailblazers, all united by a shared commitment to shaping the future of AI. Among the distinguished speakers were H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President & Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council, and H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy, both of whom delivered profound insights into the UAE’s strategic vision for AI. Their perspectives were not only deeply informative but also reflective of the nation’s pragmatic, forward-thinking approach to AI development.

What truly set this discussion apart was its interactive and engaging nature. Rather than delivering rehearsed statements, both leaders welcomed thought-provoking questions from attendees, offering candid responses that shed light on key challenges, opportunities, and the UAE’s ongoing efforts to lead in AI research and implementation. Their engagement underscored the UAE’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and a results-driven AI strategy that moves beyond hype to deliver real-world impact.

The energy in the room was high, driven by a shared recognition that AI is no longer an abstract concept but a present reality shaping industries, governance, and daily life.

While many countries remain entangled in either overhyping AI’s capabilities or fearing its consequences, the UAE has been systematically integrating AI into its national strategy with a clear focus on impact, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

A key takeaway from the Minister’s remarks was how the UAE has managed to position itself as a global leader in AI research and development, despite its relative size. This success is not merely a result of financial investment but of a well-led initiative that prioritises strategic planning, collaboration, and measurable outcomes over empty rhetoric.

What stood out was the emphasis on practical AI applications rather than speculative promises. Instead of making grandiose claims about AI replacing entire industries, the UAE has been quietly demonstrating how AI can enhance government efficiency, optimise urban infrastructure, improve healthcare outcomes, and transform education. From smart city innovations to AI-powered regulatory frameworks, their focus has remained on tangible progress rather than theoretical debates.

One particularly compelling example was the discussion around AI in governance. While many countries are still debating how to regulate AI without stifling innovation, the UAE has already implemented AI-driven public services that streamline bureaucratic processes and enhance decision-making. This showcases a governance model that is both agile and adaptive, something that larger economies often struggle to implement due to bureaucracy.

Perhaps the most important lesson from the event is that well-led initiatives can achieve greater results at lower costs when executed with vision and discipline. The UAE’s AI strategy is proof that success in AI is not merely a function of a country's size or financial resources but rather of strategic leadership, clarity of purpose, and a commitment to execution.

For companies, researchers, and policymakers around the world, this serves as an important reminder: AI success does not come from investing blindly in every new trend but from carefully selecting initiatives that align with real-world needs. The UAE’s ability to punch well above its weight in AI research and application is a testament to this approach.

Despite the proliferation of AI-related events worldwide, AI Everything Global 2025 stood out as a truly impactful and insightful gathering, delivering substantive discussions, forward-thinking perspectives, and actionable takeaways. Rather than merely echoing familiar AI narratives, the event fostered deep, thought-provoking dialogue on the real-world implications of AI advancements, emerging technologies, and geopolitical shifts shaping the AI landscape.

One particularly compelling discussion centered around DeepSeek, China’s groundbreaking AGI model, which has taken the world by surprise, not just because of its technical capabilities but also due to the remarkable efficiency with which it was developed. The speed and precision demonstrated in building this model have sent a powerful and inspiring message to AI researchers, policymakers, and innovators globally, that major breakthroughs can still emerge from disciplined research, strategic investment, and a well-orchestrated approach to AI development.

This discussion served as a reminder that AI innovation is no longer confined to a handful of tech giants or specific regions, it is a truly global endeavor, with nations like China demonstrating how determination, focus, and a clear national AI vision can drive astonishing progress. The conversation left many attendees energised, reinforcing the idea that AI's future will be shaped by those who dare to push the boundaries of what is possible—regardless of their starting point.

From engaging panel discussions to deep-dive sessions with industry experts, the event offered a balanced mix of technological innovation, policy insights, and economic perspectives. Rather than simply reiterating AI buzzwords, speakers focused on what is actually working, what still needs improvement, and how AI can be leveraged responsibly.

The high level of participation, over 1500 attendees, with global AI leaders also underscored the event’s credibility. It wasn’t just an industry conference but a platform for fostering real collaboration and knowledge exchange. The venue was great and the networking opportunities were exceptional.

Walking away from AI Everything Global 2025, I was left with a renewed sense of optimism about AI’s trajectory, especially when guided by rational, strategic leadership rather than unchecked enthusiasm or fear-driven regulation.

The UAE’s approach offers a compelling model for other nations and organisations seeking to make meaningful progress in AI. By prioritising impact over hype, practical implementation over speculation, and agility over bureaucracy, the country has demonstrated how thoughtful governance can turn AI into a tool for national growth and economic resilience.

This event reaffirmed that AI, when developed and deployed responsibly, is not just a disruptive force but an enabler of progress, innovation, and efficiency. As AI continues to evolve, it will be those who take a balanced, well-planned approach, like the UAE, who will lead the way in shaping its future with a strategy of human centric deployment.

For those who attended, I am curious to learn about your key takeaways!