The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quickly establishing itself as a prominent player in global artificial intelligence. This development comes as a result of a clear vision towards innovation as well as a commitment toward global collaboration by the nation to make drastic strides for a strong foothold in such a crucial sector.
Boosted by strategic investments in AI research, its development, and infrastructure, these strides are coupled with forging vital partnerships with global tech giants.
G42 is a core Abu Dhabi-based AI and cloud computing company that, as a leader, promotes the region's AI endeavors.
According to Kiril Evtimov, Group Chief Technology Officer at G42 and CEO of Core42, the UAE is now competing with established IT giants such as the United States in AI research and implementation.
The UAE's IT economy received a significant boost when Microsoft invested USD1.5 billion in G42, one of the largest foreign investments in the country's AI sector. The partnership underlines the UAE's ability to take the mantle of AI development in significant sectors such as healthcare, education, and energy, further signaling to the world that it is ready to shape future technologies.
Another essential component of the UAE's AI strategy is its emphasis on attracting and developing talent. Evtimov emphasized that the UAE ranks third in the world for attracting AI professionals, demonstrating the country's dedication to developing a strong digital workforce.
G42, for example, offers full AI solutions for worldwide clients, ranging from modern data centers to models, all of which complement the UAE's broader digital transformation aspirations. These programs seek to create a highly qualified workforce capable of driving AI research, deployment, and governance.
In addition to talent recruiting, the UAE is establishing infrastructure for AI research and development. With a vast network of R&D facilities, companies, and incubators, the country is taking purposeful steps to establish itself as a worldwide AI leader.
Partnerships have been critical to the success of AI in the UAE. In September 2024, UAE President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with US President, Joe Biden.
This partnership reflects the commitment of the UAE to move in line with the rest of the world's leaders in AI while setting regulatory frameworks to promote secure and ethical AI use.
The UAE has partnerships with China and France, collaborating on AI across a broad industry sector spectrum. Such partnerships, among others, have helped ensure that the UAE not only fosters its abilities in AI but also enhances its global image.
China's cooperation, for example, gives the UAE access to cutting-edge AI technology and expertise, whilst the collaboration with France focuses on encouraging AI innovation in education and research. Through these collaborations, the UAE is establishing a vast network of allies and resources, thereby bolstering its AI infrastructure.
Looking forward, the efforts put forth by the UAE regarding AI will drive significant economic and social growth. According to the UAE government's AI policy, AI is predicted to contribute up to 14 percent of the country's GDP by 2030, ranking among the top contributors to the national economy. It will be one of the major contributors to the national economy.
This has a significant projection of a knowledge-based economy for the UAE that is driven through technology and innovation. While AI advances, it looks forward to seeing significant expansion opportunities in sectors as simple as healthcare-optimized delivery and diagnosis; the proper optimization of resource deployment will find its new-age applications in education with intelligent tutoring and energy resources deployment management through AI.
The UAE's targeted investments and strategic collaborations in AI place it as a worldwide leader, driving economic growth and setting standards in important sectors such as healthcare, energy, and education.
Its dedication to developing a competent workforce and encouraging innovation exemplifies its vision for a technologically driven future. By partnering with global entities and improving its domestic skills, the UAE not only strengthens its economy but also shapes the global AI environment.