In 2021-2022 Dubai hosted Expo 2020, opening its doors to new innovations and a small glimpse into the future of tomorrow. So to complement the event I studied robotics and innovation, specifically the ethics regarding the implementation of AI into our daily lives.

Questions regarding the morality of robots, the loss of jobs, surveillance and security were all part of my research. I interviewed the robotics department of Middlesex University, Dubai, Astronomers at the Al Thuraya Astronomy Center, and an investor in a new robot powered cafe service “ROBO Café.”

Being located in a country just celebrating its 50th anniversary was extremely beneficial as the whole country had this sense of rapid paced growth. It wasn’t held back by old traditions or regulations created in the 1300’s as many other countries are. This is both a benefit and a negative as often Dubai specifically is described as a city without culture, something I myself also felt. The lack of old traditions and historical locations made it complicated to envision integration of all these new innovations to other locations.