Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei Joins Kazakhstan’s AI Council

Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei, one of the UAE’s most prominent artificial intelligence experts and Chairperson of the United Nations AI for Good Impact Initiative, has been appointed to the Artificial Intelligence Council of Kazakhstan. The council, chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, consists of 16 of the world’s most influential leaders in artificial intelligence.

Her inclusion reflects global recognition of her exceptional contributions to the advancement of AI innovation, governance, and ethical development. The appointment also highlights the rising stature of Emirati talent in shaping the global technological landscape.

Shaping the Future of Artificial Intelligence

As part of the high-level council, Dr. Almazrouei will work alongside top global AI leaders to develop strategic policies and future-focused frameworks that promote the responsible and innovative use of artificial intelligence. Her expertise will help drive the design of groundbreaking AI solutions that support sustainable progress and human-centered technological growth.

This council serves as a key advisory body to the Kazakh government, focusing on advancing AI research, ethics, and digital transformation in line with international best practices.

Collaboration with World-Renowned AI Leaders

Dr. Almazrouei joins an impressive panel of AI pioneers. Notable members include John Hopcroft, Turing Award laureate and one of the world’s foremost computer scientists, and Peter Norvig, former Director of Research at Google and a Stanford AI Fellow.

Other distinguished figures on the council include Kai-Fu Lee, Founder and CEO of Sinovation Ventures and 01.AI; Joichi Ito, President of the Chiba Institute of Technology and cybersecurity expert; Laura Tyson, Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley; and Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.

This elite group of experts will collaborate to ensure that AI technologies evolve in ways that are ethical, secure, and beneficial to all.

Recognition of Global Impact and Leadership

Earlier in 2025, Dr. Almazrouei was recognized among H2O.ai’s Top 100 Global AI Leaders, highlighting her commitment to developing impactful and ethical AI solutions. She was also honored as one of the UAE Women Pioneers of 2025 and received the Women in Tec®️ MENA Award for her leadership and innovation in the field.

These accolades affirm her as one of the most influential voices in AI research and governance, admired for her dedication to using advanced technologies for global progress and cooperation.

Pioneering Achievements in AI Innovation

Dr. Almazrouei currently serves as the Executive Director of the Office of AI and Advanced Technology (OAIAT) at the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance. She also chairs the United Nations AI for Good Impact Initiative and serves on the Board of Trustees of the American University of Sharjah (AUS).

Previously, she held the position of Executive Director and Chief AI Researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), where she founded the AI Cross-Center Unit (AICCU). Under her leadership, TII launched several landmark projects, including the Falcon series of open-source generative AI models (7B, 40B, and 180B) and NOOR, the first and largest Arabic large-language model. These initiatives established the UAE as a leader in open-access AI development.

Driving the UAE’s Vision for AI Leadership

Dr. Almazrouei’s appointment to Kazakhstan’s AI Council underscores the UAE’s growing role in shaping global AI policy and innovation. Her leadership reflects the nation’s strategy to use advanced technology as a force for sustainable development, supporting both regional and international cooperation.

Through her work, she continues to promote responsible AI innovation, ensuring that emerging technologies serve humanity ethically and inclusively. Her vision aligns with the UAE’s broader goal of becoming a global hub for technology, innovation, and digital excellence.

Inspiring the Next Generation

An accomplished entrepreneur, inventor, and academic, Dr. Almazrouei holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence for Wireless Communication Engineering and Computer Science. Her journey continues to inspire young innovators, especially women in STEM, across the Arab world and beyond.

Her career stands as a testament to how dedication, vision, and collaboration can drive transformative change in technology and society.