In a future where tradition weaves seamlessly with innovation, my dialogue with Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri unfolds, rich in insight and vision. This isn’t just an exchange of ideas; it’s a deep dive into the life of a visionary committed to guiding us through the complexities of tomorrow.
As the director of the Center of Future Studies at the University of Dubai and the president of the UAE’s Robotics and Automation Society, Dr. Al Dhaheri’s passion is evident. “It is a quest to inform and prepare future generations for the future yet to come,” he shares, highlighting his dedication to foresight in molding the future of nations and individuals.
In our discussion, Dr. Al Dhaheri’s future vision emerges, deeply rooted in his upbringing in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and the valuable lessons learned there. His childhood, filled with studies and playful exploration, laid the foundation for his life’s principles of preparedness and determination. He recalls a formative experience: “When I was ten years old, we’d swim in a large pond in Al Ain. I saw a little boy jump in without his parents noticing. So, I saved that boy.”
Dr. Al Dhaheri also draws inspiration from sports, believing: “If you have a passion and a goal, with persistence and determination, you can achieve what you want.” His journey reflects the UAE’s remarkable transformation, guided by leaders like Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the founding father of Dubai, and the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, mirroring the nation’s leap from visions to reality. “We believe that nothing is impossible,” he states, encapsulating the spirit that drives the UAE’s pioneering advancements and its position as a global leader in innovation and future technologies.
Mindset is crucial in the UAE’s remarkable journey of innovation. In Dr. Al Dhaheri’s book ‘Digital Nation,’ he delves into the belief system driving the UAE forward, highlighting initiatives like the Ministry for Possibilities that embody the nation’s ethos of tackling challenges directly. He emphasizes, “Don’t shoot for the moon; shoot for the stars,” reflecting the leadership’s ambition to inspire future generations.
Reflecting on the UAE’s blend of innovation and tradition, I’m reminded of a story I penned for Gulf News about twins Ali and Alia, projecting into a future where, despite technological advances, the essence of family and tradition remains unchanged. This story exemplifies the UAE’s dedication to progress without losing sight of its roots.
Dr. Al Dhaheri reminisces about the early days of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City, crediting Sheikh Mohammed’s vision for transforming the desert into a global tech hub. “The remarkable vision and determination of our leaders stand out distinctly,” he states, showcasing the UAE’s ability to rally its people towards a shared vision, from major projects like Emirates Airlines to DP World. This exemplifies the UAE’s technological achievements and commitment to community and tradition amidst rapid progress.
His journey is marked by an enduring passion for education and innovation. Graduating in electrical engineering from UAE University in 1987, he was driven early on by a desire to educate the next generation. A significant turning point was his participation in the first International Space Program at MIT in 1988, selected by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak.
After earning his PhD in bioengineering from Drexel University, he returned to lecture in the UAE. His leadership roles have been crucial in modernizing national infrastructure, from tackling the Y2K bug to spearheading the UAE National ID Card System. He shares a career highlight: “One of my achievements is enrolling and registering His Highness Sheikh Khalifah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and giving him the first ID card system.”
Dr. Al Dhaheri has recently turned his expertise towards studying the future, founding the Center for Future Studies at the University of Dubai to support the UAE’s foresight strategy. “We wanted to align with the UAE strategy,” he notes, emphasizing the center’s dedication to advancing foresight as a rigorous discipline. His commitment extends to engagements as a visiting lecturer at Oxford and Cambridge and his participation in the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the Metaverse. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, the contrast between digital knowledge and the deeply human experiences of love, compassion, and creativity is more apparent than ever. This evolution emphasizes the critical role of wisdom and critical thinking, suggesting a future prioritizing inherently human qualities that technology cannot duplicate. “Definitely, you hit the nail on the head,” Dr. Al Dhaheri agrees, stressing the need for educational reforms to prepare children for a tech-centric future. He led a pivotal study on the future of higher education, highlighting a shift towards integrating AI in learning while preserving human interactions. “If we teach today as we did yesterday, we rob our grandchildren of their future,” he cautions, calling for a new approach to education that balances AI’s benefits with the nurturing of irreplaceable human skills.
Dr. Al Dhaheri’s insights extend to the workforce, where AI literacy becomes crucial as technology reshapes job landscapes. He urges the need for a societal grasp on AI’s expanding influence on life decisions. He advocates for an educational overhaul that leverages AI for personalized learning without losing the human touch, aiming for a harmonious blend of innovation and humanism in teaching.
Addressing the challenge of keeping educators abreast with rapid technological advancements, I’ve coined the term FOBO – Fear of Becoming Obsolete. This concern, coupled with the imminent arrival of Artificial General Intelligence, underscores our unpreparedness for the next leap in AI development. He concurs, We are not ready for it,” championing a humancentric approach to AI that bolsters life quality without causing displacement or harm.
Discussing the tech sector’s challenges, it’s clear that our post-World War II regulations are illequipped for today’s technological landscape, where issues like data management and ethical integrity are paramount. As a futurist, I believe our future is defined by trust, truth, and ethics amidst a trust deficit and the dominance of tech giants practicing techno-colonialism. Highlighting the risks of AI, akin to nuclear weapons, I stress the urgent need for regulatory guardrails to prevent uncontrollable outcomes, underscoring the significant gap in current governance.
Dr. Al Dhaheri highlights the growing concern over AI’s impact on society. Citing UNESCO’s AI ethics recommendations – endorsed by over 190 countries – he stresses the necessity for international agreements to regulate AI in weaponry, insisting on technology that benefits humanity: “We have to be wise, be human, and put solid governance around AI.”
Reflecting on pursuing profit over human values, Dr. Al Dhaheri recalls a discussion on drone ethics dismissed by profit motives identical to what I experienced in a similar role, illustrating the tension between materialism and human well-being. Conversations with individuals prioritizing happiness and love further affirm his belief that true success lies beyond material wealth, advocating for societal values rooted in “passion, family, values.” He criticizes technology’s role in fostering isolation. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing genuine human connections. Additionally, he notes the backlash against impersonal, automated services as a call for more human-centered interactions, challenging the convenience of technology against the backdrop of societal needs for authenticity and connection.
Dr. Al Dhaheri delves into the impact of longevity and AI on society, asserting, “It’s not about technology enriching our lives; it’s about enriching our lives with what truly matters passion, family, values.” He highlights the need for genuine human connections amidst technological growth.
Looking forward to his 100th birthday, Dr. Al Dhaheri is optimistic about a future where “technology serves us,” enhancing health and productivity while affording more time for family and community. He envisions a legacy defined by human connections rather than technological possessions, urging a choice toward a life rich in meaningful interactions over one dominated by digital advancements. Dr. Al Dhaheri’s wisdom resonates as a beacon for the future. His vision for a balanced, cohesive society serves as a guiding light, offering hope and direction in navigating the complexities of modern life and the challenges that lie ahead.
“Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates & Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister.”
