UAE AI Ambitions Ignite a New Era of Economic Growth
UAE AI ambitions ignite a new era for the nation’s future, setting an unmatched momentum for economic transformation. From visionary policies to bold partnerships and homegrown talent, the UAE is forging a path toward prosperity powered by artificial intelligence.
Building the Foundations of Tomorrow
Since launching its national AI strategy in 2017, the UAE has pursued a bold aim: to become a global AI leader by 2031 and beyond, in line with its Centennial 2071 vision. This approach is not just lofty goals it’s a multi-pronged roadmap combining infrastructure, governance, talent, and strategic alliances.
From Strategy to Action
At the helm is the Ministry of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, led by Omar Sultan Al Olama. His office drives national AI efforts, stemming from the launch of the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and supporting frameworks like the Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to double the digital economy’s share of GDP by 2032.
Data, Talent, and Ethical Governance
The UAE advances its AI agenda through ethical frameworks and investments. In 2024, the UAE released the UAE Charter for the Development and Use of AI, emphasizing inclusive, safe, and responsible AI. Meanwhile, the strategy is backed by public-private collaborations, research ecosystems, and sizable financial fuel.
A central pillar is the MGX fund, a $100 billion initiative by Mubadala and G42, targeting AI-driven contributions of 20 % to non-oil GDP by 2031.
Homegrown Innovation: Falcon & Jais
Within the UAE’s AI momentum, homegrown breakthroughs stand out. The Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) launched the Falcon series of large language models, esteemed for outperforming Meta and Google counterparts when released.
Similarly, Jais, a cutting-edge open-source language model in Arabic (and English), was developed jointly by G42, MBZUAI, and Cerebras Systems. It specifically addresses the under-representation of Arabic in generative AI.
Academic & Ecosystem Support
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the first graduate-level AI university, plays a vital part in developing talent. Its first undergraduate AI program only launched in March 2025.
On the startup side, Hub71 in Abu Dhabi acts as a thriving tech ecosystem for AI entrepreneurs, bolstering innovation through incentives, global networks, and growth opportunities.
Global Partnerships and Investment
Major global tech players are fueling the UAE’s AI growth. Microsoft invested $1.5 billion into G42, partnered on infrastructure and AI, and co-established research institutes in Abu Dhabi for AI development tailored to the Global South.
Meanwhile, a recent US–UAE technology framework agreement enables the UAE to import 500,000 Nvidia AI chips annually starting 2025 a game-changer for hardware capacity.
Real-World Impact: Business Confidence & Startups
The UAE’s AI efforts aren’t abstract they’re already translating into economic confidence. A YouGov-SAP survey found 94 % of UAE enterprises believe AI will drive long-term growth, with nearly half expecting meaningful returns within 1–2 years.
Startups are thriving too. In 2024, the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy supported 1,210 digital startups a 120 % increase from the year before. At the same time, over 1,300 Emiratis trained in app development under government programs.
Also, Dubai introduced the Entrepreneur’s AI Playbook, offering AI guidance and tools for startups in sectors like healthcare, retail, and finance.
A New Economic Growth Era
The UAE’s bold vision and coordinated actions illustrate how its AI strategy is laying the foundation for the next economic growth era. From GDP impact to job creation, innovation hubs, skilled workforce, and global alliances, the UAE is crafting an AI-powered economy that transcends oil dependence.
Stimulated by public-private investment, homegrown models like Falcon and Jais, international partnerships, and robust talent pipelines, the country stands on the brink of an AI-driven transformation ushering a powerful era of sustainable, diversified, and inclusive growth.
