Demystifying AI : What's Artificial About It ?

AI: A Human-Crafted Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often perceived as a mystical force but a product of human ingenuity. AI systems are meticulously programmed by humans and leverage immense computing power to sift through vast amounts of data, identifying patterns and generating plausible solutions. For instance, consider a recommendation system on a streaming platform. It analyses your viewing history and preferences to suggest new content. This isn't magic; it results from complex algorithms processing data at high speeds. In the UAE, AI is being used to enhance government services, with the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence aiming to make the country a global leader in AI by 2031.

The Limits of AI: Human Imagination as a Boundary

AI's capabilities are inherently tied to human creativity and knowledge. If a human cannot conceive a solution, neither can AI. This is because AI relies on pre-existing data and programmed algorithms to function. For example, data annotation is a crucial process where humans label data to train AI models. With accurate annotations, AI can learn effectively. AI struggles with tasks requiring deep contextual understanding or emotional intelligence, such as nuanced legal judgements or creative writing. However, computing power and data collection advancements may bridge these gaps in the next decade. In the GCC, AI adoption is expected to grow significantly, with the market projected to reach $320 billion by 2030, driven by investments in smart cities and digital transformation.

Current and Near-Future AI Applications

In the next five years, AI is set to revolutionise various industries. AI will enhance diagnostic accuracy, personalise treatment plans, and streamline administrative tasks in healthcare. The UAE's healthcare sector already sees AI-driven innovations, such as AI-powered diagnostic tools that improve patient outcomes. In construction, AI-driven robots and predictive analytics will improve project efficiency and safety. The UAE's construction industry, valued at $101 billion, is increasingly adopting AI to optimise project management and reduce costs. In customer experience, AI chatbots and virtual assistants will provide instant, personalised support, with GCC businesses leveraging AI to enhance customer satisfaction. AI will offer personalised learning experiences and automate educational administrative tasks, supporting the UAE's vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy. AI will assist in legal research, contract analysis, and case prediction in law and legal affairs, with the UAE exploring AI applications to streamline legal processes. AI will automate scheduling and transcriptions in business meetings and provide actionable insights from meeting discussions, enhancing productivity in the GCC's corporate sector.

— Mohammad Abu Sheikh is the CEO and Founder of LocAI Ltd., an Abu Dhabi-based Emirati Startup in Tech and AI Solutions.