Microsoft partners with Kagool on building the ‘Citizen Companion’

DUBAI/ GULF TIME

Microsoft offered a glimpse into the AI-powered future of cities and workplaces at GITEX Global 2023. Under the show’s theme “The Year to Imagine AI in Everything,” Microsoft’s demonstrated how AI will revolutionize the way we live and work.
Participating alongside 32 of its partners, Microsoft showcased the latest AI solutions and services designed to transform the region’s key industries – from government services to healthcare, education and financial services- and provide them a state-of-the-art platform from which to develop their own innovative technologies that suit their individual needs.
Demonstrating what government services of the future could look like, Microsoft partnered with Kagool on building the ‘Citizen Companion’ – an AI-powered interface that seamlessly communicates with visitors in their native language and provides assistance on various government services such as renewing their driving license, applying for a UAE Golden Visa, or paying a traffic fine. Personal services are unlocked through residents’ Emirates IDs and save users time and effort and increasing governmental efficiencies by taking over administrative tasks that would have previously involved multiple journey’s to government offices.
“As AI continues to evolve, it is poised to revolutionize every industry, from healthcare and finance to transportation and retail. The technology is the next phase of digital transformation and is helping businesses across industries to improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance productivity, and provide personalized experiences to their customers. Today, it stands as the driving force that propels us towards a future where automation, personalization, and sustainability become the standard, not the exception,” said Tariq Halawani, Executive Director- Enterprise Solutions at Microsoft UAE.
In addition to the above, Mr. Halawani stated the impact of AI on jobs. He said, “As AI continues to redefine the workplaces of the present and the future, the importance of digital skills becomes more evident than ever. While AI has been instrumental in automating routine tasks across industries, it is simultaneously creating new opportunities that demand a workforce skilled in harnessing its full potential. Embracing digital skills isn’t just a choice; it’s an imperative for individuals and nations to thrive in an AI-powered future. Microsoft is committed to helping prepare and reskill the current and future workforce for the opportunities and demands of an AI-driven job market.”
Microsoft believes that when developing world-changing technologies, it is crucial to ensure that they are used responsibly. This is why the company is committed to driving responsible AI innovation by sharing its learnings and best practices with decision-makers, researchers, and data scientists across every industry to support the establishment of national AI policies and regulations that ensure that AI earns the trust of citizens and residents around the world. Microsoft has also developed a set of AI Principles centered around fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability. These principles are put into practice across the business through its Responsible AI Standard.