UAE minister "Change is the only constant…Technological innovation reshapes the future financial order" [BBW 2025]

Omar Sultan Al Olama, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasized that "change is the only constant in the world," saying only countries that continuously embrace technological innovation can lead the global financial order in the future. He said that in a situation where financial systems and national strategies are being rapidly reorganized, the ability to utilize technology and the consistent maintenance of a vision determine future competitiveness.

Al Olama said on the 3rd (local time) at the Binance Blockchain Week 2025 main stage held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai that "while financial systems have not changed significantly over the past few hundred years, we are now in an era where technology is creating fundamental change," and added, "The UAE is a country that turns the pace of change into an opportunity."

He emphasized that the UAE has maintained a consistent national vision and long-term strategy over the past decades. Al Olama said, "The UAE accepted early on that technology would be the foundation of the future and has developed by making it a core pillar of national growth," adding, "If a country cannot embrace technology, it has no future." He continued, "Not being afraid of advanced technologies and applying them across society and the economy is the first step in national development."

He also touched on the fundamental changes in the financial system. He said, "New technologies are important, but what matters more is the value and services that technology creates," explaining, "The purpose of technology is to provide better experiences and utility to citizens and users." He also said, "The UAE does not chase industry trends but focuses on intrinsic value," adding, "This philosophy distinguishes the UAE from other countries."

Al Olama stressed that consistency in long-term policy direction strengthens national competitiveness. He said, "The vision set in 2017 did not change in 2024 and 2025," and added, "We will maintain the same direction through 2030." He continued, "The belief that technology will transform finance and society as a whole does not change," and said, "We will continuously build the necessary infrastructure, regulations, and ecosystems for this."

He concluded, "To lead future finance and the digital economy, it is not enough to understand technology; you must consider what value it can create for citizens," adding, "The UAE continues to innovate to find that answer."