Indian Ambassador Highlights Global South's Role in AI Development at Dubai Summit

On February 10 and 11, 2026, the Road to AI Impact Summit took place in Dubai, organized by Symbiosis International University Dubai in partnership with the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi. The event brought together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. During the summit, Dr. Deepak Mittal, India's Ambassador to the UAE, spoke about the significance of purpose when developing artificial intelligence. He explained that AI is not only created in laboratories of the Global North but also in classrooms, startups, and communities across the Global South. This highlights a growing contribution from regions often less associated with high-tech innovation. The summit aimed to focus on how AI can be used to serve society better. Discussions centered around ensuring AI benefits everyone and supports societal good. Participants emphasized that AI should be developed with a purpose to uplift and empower people. Dr. Mittal described Dubai as a city that is building the future quickly. He said that AI should be used to create opportunities for all, making sure that its advantages are accessible to different communities. The ambassador underscored that AI is not meant to replace humans. Instead, its goal is to expand human possibilities and support collaboration among people. The event also showcased some key developments in AI. One example is NANDA, a large AI model with 13 billion parameters. It was developed through a partnership involving the UAE’s G42 Group. This model was trained on Condor Galaxy, one of the world's most powerful AI supercomputers. Such advancements show the growing strength of AI research in the region. Another highlight was the ATAL Incubation Center at IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus. The center aims to support startups and research that focus on AI. It is designed to encourage entrepreneurship and collaborative projects across the UAE and the Gulf region. Overall, the summit recognized the importance of inclusive growth in AI. It highlighted efforts to co-author and develop AI solutions in classrooms and startups, especially in regions of the Global South. However, as of February 2026, there has been no official confirmation about specific initiatives in this area. This summit emphasizes the importance of working together to shape a future where AI benefits society. It advocates for an inclusive, collaborative, and human-centered approach to AI development. The efforts discussed aim to democratize opportunities and ensure AI serves the greater good. In summary, the event reinforced the idea that AI should be aimed at purpose and societal impact. It brought attention to the contributions from the Global South and the importance of collaboration in shaping a future where AI uplifts and empowers communities worldwide.