UAE creates ministry for artificial intelligence, eyes Mars journey

The United Arab Emirates has introduced a ministry for artificial intelligence as part of a cabinet reshuffle in the Gulf country.

Omar al-Olama, 27, has been appointed as state minister for artificial intelligence, Prime Minister, Mohammed Al-Maktoum said while announcing the new appointments in a series of tweets.

“The next global wave is artificial intelligence. We want to be the country most prepared for it,” he wrote.

He added that the new government reflected the UAE’s focus on “future skills, sciences and technology.”

The UAE also announced two new female ministers of state focusing on advanced science and food security.

Sara al-Amiri, 30, will be a minister of state in charge of advanced sciences and “will lead the UAE’s mission to reach Mars.”

Earlier this year, the Gulf state announced that it would send an unmanned spacecraft to Mars in 2021.

In 2016, the UAE created two ministries for happiness and tolerance.

The UAE, a federation of seven emirates, is home to several faiths and nationalities.