As artificial intelligence becomes foundational to economic growth, national security, and global competitiveness, the question facing governments is no longer whether to adopt AI, but how to secure the foundations on which it operates.
Open Innovation AI recently hosted a series of high-level discussions focused on AI sovereignty and the secure foundations of an AI-powered future, bringing together national leaders and industry stakeholders for an open exchange of perspectives on the evolving role of AI in infrastructure, cybersecurity, and global systems.
The program opened with a keynote address by H.E Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, who participated alongside national leaders and industry stakeholders. The keynote highlighted the importance of building production-ready AI systems and translating strategic ambition into secure, operational reality, underscoring cybersecurity as a foundational pillar for AI deployment. The discussion reflected the UAE’s forward-looking approach to technology and innovation, where security, practicality, and long-term resilience are integral to adopting AI at scale.
A fireside conversation on AI Sovereignty: Securing the Foundations of Our AI-Powered Future featured H.E. Najyb Al Maskari, Executive Director of the Department of Government Enablement.
The discussion explored why the rapid adoption of AI represents not only an economic opportunity, but a strategic necessity from a cybersecurity perspective. Topics included the risks associated with delayed adoption, the non-negotiable pillars required to support secure AI ecosystems, and how the convergence of AI with critical infrastructure is reshaping the mandate of national cybersecurity regulators and decision makers.
A second fireside chat examined how the UAE is embracing and leading the AI shift, featuring H.E. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade.
The discussion addressed why AI has become a central pillar of economic opportunity, how national ecosystems can support AI adoption and nurture AI-driven companies, and the role of foreign direct investment in accelerating AI development. The conversation also explored the impact of AI on global trade and supply chains, offering a forward-looking perspective on how AI-enabled systems can shape the future of international commerce.
By convening these discussions, Open Innovation AI contributes to informed dialogue at the intersection of technology, policy, and infrastructure supporting a deeper understanding of how AI can be deployed responsibly, securely, and at scale as it becomes embedded in critical systems worldwide.
