UAE Minister of State for AI HE Omar Sultan Al Olama traveled to Silicon Valley for an on-stage conversation with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff at Dreamforce 2026. HE Al Olama spoke about the UAE's work pioneering one of the world’s first AI-powered governments. He shared the country’s approach to AI deployment across the government sector, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to building secure AI systems, training its workforce and collaborating with the private sector to ensure responsible AI use.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff reinforced the depth of the bilateral relationship, saying the company is “deeply committed to the UAE — the country, the businesses, the government, the society.”

Why This Matters

American technology companies play an important role in the UAE’s AI ecosystem, working alongside Emirati partners across areas ranging from advanced infrastructure to workforce development. As the UAE advances its ambitious technology goals, including the deployment of Agentic AI across 50% of government services, sectors and operations within two years, it continues to build strategic partnerships that bring together global expertise and national capabilities. Microsoft and Google are among the companies supporting large-scale initiatives to equip the UAE workforce with advanced AI skills.

The UAE’s early embrace of AI and future-focused tech strategy is informed by history. HE Al Olama pointed to the Arab world’s delayed adoption of the printing press after centuries as a center of knowledge and innovation — and the consequences of being slow to embrace transformative technology. His message: don’t repeat that mistake with AI.

"Agentic AI, in particular, is enabling a new phase in the journey of government development by offering extensive opportunities to redesign processes and services, enhance efficiency and productivity, and accelerate the transition to comprehensive, real-world implementation." – HE Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for AI