Abu Dhabi has been actively pursuing and investing in AI technologies to establish itself a global leader in the industry. From establishing MBZUAI, the world’s first AI university, to partnering with tech giants, the country is eyeing a rapid digital transformation.
Accelerating this effort, the Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council has introduced a brand new company with the intention of boosting the UAE's AI infrastructure and position it as a pivotal element in the global AI industry.
The council launched the new company, AI71, seeking to democratise access to AI technology, catering to multiple industries like legal, medical and education. VentureOne, the council’s commercial arm, stepped forward to take AI71 to the market, with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi present, honouring the launch.
The AI71 platform is built on the Falcon language learning models (LLM) developed by the council’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII). The TII had launched the Falcon LLM in 2022, which was then reigning as the world’s largest Arabic natural language model. The LLM plays a pivotal role in growing GenAI capabilities across Abu Dhabi.
AI71 aims to offer AI data control options for companies looking to self-host for greater privacy. The entity allows clients to gain control over their data with decentralized ownership. This function leads to new levels of security and privacy standards, scaling AI accessibility across enterprises.
Speaking on the initiative’s capabilities, Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council, said: “Our Falcon generative AI models, at the heart of AI71, empower developers, companies, and countries, and grants them autonomy to steer their own data destiny. With access to the UAE’s centralised datasets, the deliberate commercialisation of our AI models across diverse sectors stands as a pivotal element in our AI71 roadmap”.
AI71’s launch is an ambitious step toward positioning Abu Dhabi as a global technology hub. The AI-focused platform represents the nation’s relentless drive to become a key player in the global AI industry.
Commenting on the ambitions at the launch, Fasal Al Bannai noted: "We will not be shy in our objectives, we will not be humble in our goals. We are determined to be a key player in shaping where AI is going globally. AI71 will play a pivotal role in this journey."
AI71’s inclusive, democratised premise holds great development potential for Abu Dhabi’s economy as a whole. The platform can foster a ground of rapid innovation and creative developments, in turn advancing the economy as a vital player in the AI landscape. AI71’s launch is a strategic move by Abu Dhabi to become a leading player in the worldwide AI industry.
Faisal Al Bannai commented on the impact, saying: "By creating AI71, [the company] becomes a major part of driving the digital economy, of driving AI use across multiple sectors. So it increases our efficiency and ability to be much more productive and competitive globally."
AI71 is focusing on partnering with key entities and tech giants to fuel its growth and impact across the industry. At the launch, the company signed agreements. Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for artificial intelligence, digital economy and remote work applications.
AI71 has also forged partnerships with major local and international organisations including, Amazon Web Services, PwC, American IT management firm World Wide Technology (WWT) and data company CNTXT, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Cognite. With these partnerships, AI71 has established an ambitious global outlook, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s vision.
Al Bannai commented: “These pivotal agreements that are about to shape our collective future, explore our offerings and envision a future where AI is for all."
Countries across the world are participating in the run to become the global hub for AI. The UAE has already made impactful contributions in the industry with its advanced LLM to empower innovative GenAI solutions. With AI71, Abu Dhabi is on track to emerge as the global leader in the industry, surpassing major tech giants.
Photo: AI in Abu Dhabi