TheDubai Future Council on Artificial Intelligence held its first meeting in April 2019 and started discussions on how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to 'enhance Dubai's status as a future global city'. Chaired by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, the council has a double purpose. On one hand, it will work on enhancing the awareness of the public and the private sector about the importance of applying AI technologies in education, healthcare, innovation, and other sectors of the economy and society. On the other hand, the council aims to support research focused on creating a legislative and regulatory environment that meets the needs of all stakeholders when it comes to the development and deployment of AI. Issues discussed at the council's first meeting included the challenges faced in the development of AI, and the needs for enabling policies and regulations.