Operation HOPE’s AI Ethics Council Welcomes UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar Sultan Al Olama to Board

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Artificial Intelligence Ethics Council (AIEC), an initiative powered by Operation HOPE, announced the appointment of His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications to its Board of Directors. This selection reaffirms the UAE’s leading role in the ethical governance of artificial intelligence and its support for international efforts to ensure the development of responsible and safe advanced technologies.

His Excellency is the first representative from the Middle East to join the Board of Directors, which includes a group of global leaders in civil rights, education, technology, business, government, and ethics. The council is co-chaired by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant.

This appointment reaffirms the UAE’s prominent role in strengthening international cooperation, exchanging expertise, and establishing global frameworks that enhance trust in future technologies, in line with its vision to build an innovative digital ecosystem founded on the values of transparency, safety, and sustainability.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama affirmed that the United Arab Emirates, guided by the forward-looking vision of its leadership, continues to anchor itself as a world leader in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. His Excellency stated that the UAE’s trailblazing model in ethical governance and its commitment to the responsible deployment of advanced technologies have significantly strengthened its global presence, positioning the nation at the forefront of efforts to build a future defined by progress, prosperity, and long-term sustainability.

Al Olama emphasized that ethical responsibility stands as a foundational pillar in the UAE’s approach to emerging technologies and artificial intelligence. Al Olama reaffirmed the country’s unwavering dedication to supporting international initiatives aimed at establishing standards that ensure the fair, secure, and responsible use of future technologies, standards capable of unlocking new economic horizons, expanding the frontiers of knowledge and opportunity, and preserving the human values that the UAE, and the wider world, strive to uphold.

“We are honored to welcome Minister Al Olama to the AI Ethics Council as our first international leader and first representative from the Middle East,” said Mr. Bryant. “He brings invaluable experience and perspective to our work – grounded in a vision for how technology can serve humanity and create shared prosperity. We are grateful for his partnership as we continue building a global, inclusive framework for ethical and equitable use of artificial intelligence.”

Appointed as Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in 2017 and later expanding his portfolio in 2020 to include Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, H.E. Al Olama has played a central role in advancing the UAE’s technological and economic future. He has led efforts to integrate AI across government operations and economic sectors to enhance performance, productivity and future readiness. H.E. Al Olama is also the Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, Director General of the Dubai Crown Prince’s Office and the Vice-chair of the World Government Summit. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the American University of Dubai, and a Diploma in Project Management and Excellence from the American University of Sharjah.

Formed in December 2023, the AIEC convenes a diverse body of leaders – spanning civil rights, education, technology, business, clergy, government and ethics – to ensure that underrepresented communities have a voice in the evolution of AI. The AIEC aims to shape a framework for the responsible, inclusive, and equitable development of AI while exploring how the technology can drive economic opportunity for underserved populations. H.E. Al Olama joins a distinguished group on the Council, which includes Mr. Altman and Mr. Bryant and founding AI Ethics Council members:

• George T. French, Jr., JD, PhD., President, Clark Atlanta University and Chair of Presidents, United Negro College Fund
• Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH, President, Spelman College
• Bernice A. King, JD, M. Div, CEO, The King Center
• David A. Thomas, PhD., President, Morehouse College
• Angela F. Williams, JD, M. Div, President and CEO, United Way Worldwide
• Ambassador Andrew J. Young, Chairman, The Andrew J. Young Foundation, former U.N. Ambassador, former Mayor of Atlanta and civil rights icon

About Operation HOPE, Inc.

Since 1992, Operation HOPE has empowered more than 4 million individuals with financial literacy, credit and money management coaching, home ownership, and small business support—advancing “silver rights” to help low- and moderate-income Americans achieve economic dignity. Through its award-winning HOPE Inside model, the organization has helped generate over $4.2 billion in economic activity. We operate in nearly 300 cities serving 1,500 locations throughout the United States. Learn more at OperationHOPE.org.