“The future of work will be faster, smarter, and more innovative” – Rima Semaan, Microsoft

Microsoft’s Rima Semaan discusses the company’s AI-powered initiatives, the rise of responsible AI, and the pivotal role of AI skills in shaping tomorrow’s workforce in a candid interview with tahawultech.com during GITEX 2024.

With its massive stand, Microsoft, once again took center stage at GITEX Global 2024, with a clear focus on advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Rima Semaan, Data and AI Lead at Microsoft UAE, shed light on the company’s transformative role in the AI landscape, the importance of responsible AI, and the future of work powered by AI innovations.

When asked about Microsoft’s focus at GITEX this year, Semaan describes it as “Season Two of AI,” a continuation of AI’s transformational impact across societies, organisations, and nations. AI is no longer a futuristic concept, she said. It is a powerful force driving change at scale.

According to Microsoft’s recently released Cloud Dividend Snapshot for the UAE, the company and its partner ecosystem are projected to generate $74.4 billion in revenue for the UAE over the next four years, creating over 152,500 jobs by 2028. Semaan anticipates that AI will soon become more democratised, allowing individuals and organisations to build their own AI companions and co-pilots.

For instance, one of the company’s highlights at GITEX is an AI-powered citizen companion called “Sawa,” meaning “together” in Arabic. This AI solution is designed to support citizens on their wellness and happiness journeys, promoting healthier habits, streamlining citizen services, and encouraging community involvement.

As AI’s influence grows, the importance of responsible AI becomes ever more crucial. Semaan stressed: “AI should be responsible, safe, and secure by design.” Microsoft has developed robust frameworks to ensure that its AI products are built on principles such as fairness, transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. These frameworks are not only applied internally but also shared with organisations globally to help guide the safe deployment of AI.

“I foresee a responsible AI officer in every organisation,” she predicts, as companies increasingly embrace AI’s potential while ensuring it is deployed ethically and safely.

Furthermore, in collaboration with regulators, Microsoft is actively working on creating frameworks for the responsible use of AI. The company’s efforts include releasing transparency reports on solutions such as Microsoft Copilot and investing significantly in security, spending nearly a billion dollars annually to ensure the safety of their AI platforms.

Microsoft also recently expanded its partnership with UAE’s G42 to establish two AI research centres in Abu Dhabi, focusing on responsible AI, a key step in advancing localised frameworks and contributing to communities in the UAE.

Skilling for the AI economy

Microsoft is also focused on the future of work and AI’s role in it. Semaan is a passionate advocate for AI talent development, noting that the UAE is rapidly positioning itself as a global AI hub. This vision is being realised through initiatives like the National AI Skilling Initiative, which aims to train 100,000 public sector employees in AI skills.

But the skilling efforts don’t stop there. Microsoft also recently introduced its AI Skills Navigator, an online platform designed to guide citizens, students, employees, and even senior citizens on their AI learning journeys.

The company’s research, detailed in the Work Trend Index, highlights the growing demand for AI skills, with 66% of business leaders stating they won’t hire individuals without AI expertise. Semaan underscores the significance of this, pointing out that as AI becomes more embedded in the workplace, employees will shift their focus from repetitive tasks to roles that emphasise critical thinking and creativity.

“The future of work will be faster, smarter, and more innovative,” she concluded.