The launch of the commemorative coin design contest celebrates the UAE’s technological advancement and shows how it is progressive to develop technology that benefits society’s growth.
The Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, together with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), has launched the country’s first project to design a commemorative coin using generative artificial intelligence.
The project invites the public to participate in an innovative national challenge where people can use AI tools to design a coin that represents the UAE’s technological progress.
The launch of this project coincided with the UAE Code Day. It marks the launch of the region’s first e-government initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on October 29, 2001. That milestone is a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey. The coin design challenge will contribute to the UAE’s continued leadership in technology and innovation.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, stated that the project reflects the country’s commitment to involving its citizens in shaping its digital future.
According to Al Olama, the launch of the commemorative coin design contest celebrates the country’s technological advancement and shows how it is progressive to develop technology that benefits society’s growth. He noted that the government is focused on maintaining its leadership in artificial intelligence and coding and is dedicated to building a vision for a digitally innovative, knowledge-driven society that actively contributes to the country’s progress.
The project aims to grow the United Arab Emirates as a global leader in artificial intelligence, innovation, and advanced technology, while also promoting public participation in creative digital projects.
Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, stated that the challenge aligns with the country’s goal to encourage innovation and sustainable development through digital transformation.
He described the UAE Codes initiative as a reflection of the nation’s leadership vision to establish the UAE as a leading hub for innovation. The project uses AI to develop digital solutions and forward-thinking services that foster a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. Balama added that the Commemorative Coin Design Challenge is an example of involving the communities and national creativity, which will help position the country as a pioneer in digital innovation.
The Central Bank, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, is committed to encouraging innovation, digital transformation, and the development of local partnerships. So this project will encourage the public to participate with their digital creativity and strengthen the nation’s innovation skills, contributing to the UAE’s ambitions for a prosperous economic future, Balama said.
Participants must use generative artificial intelligence tools to create their coin designs. They must ensure the artwork they submit is suitable for a circular coin and meets all ethical and legal criteria. The winning design will be chosen to appear on an official commemorative coin issued by the Central Bank of the UAE, symbolizing the nation’s achievements in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The winner will be revealed during the UAE Codes 2025 events. This initiative underscores its commitment to incorporating AI into the creative industries and solidifying its status as a regional and global leader in digital innovation.
The Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications was founded in 2020. They are responsible for taking any initiatives related to AI in the UAE, advancing the digital economy, and overseeing work on remote applications. The Ministry of State for Artificial Intelligence is led by Omar Sultan Al Olama, who was appointed as Minister of State in 2020. He is a prominent figure in the UAE’s AI governance efforts. Right now, his goal is to shape the country’s digital future through local AI projects like these and international partnerships that position the UAE as a global leader in digital transformation.
