As we navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), innovation is popping up in various corners of the globe—from the sun-kissed shores of Malta to the chic streets of Paris. Among these burgeoning tech hubs, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quickly establishing itself as a significant player in the Middle East. This shift is partly fueled by a wave of investment catalyzed during former US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the region, during which the UAE and the US announced a staggering $200 billion in commercial agreements. This milestone includes plans for the UAE to develop the largest AI campus outside the United States, complemented by enhanced access to essential AI chips. Such developments are particularly important, given the more constrained chip access the UAE experienced under President Biden, primarily due to complex geopolitical ties with China.
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The UAE has been marking its territory on the global AI map for quite some time now. Take October of last year, for example; UAE-based MGX, a state-backed tech firm specializing in AI and semiconductors, made headlines by participating in a record-breaking funding round in Silicon Valley—one that amounted to an impressive $6.6 billion. This funding is not just a dollar figure; it symbolizes the UAE’s strategic ambition to ascend the ranks of global AI leaders by 2031. To achieve this, the country is not merely pumping money into tech; it’s also investing heavily in community engagement and research initiatives.
A cornerstone of the UAE’s comprehensive AI strategy came in the form of Falcon, the country’s first open-source large language model, launched by its affluent emirate, Abu Dhabi, last year. The state-backed AI firm, G42, is also diligently working on training large language models in Arabic and Hindi, a significant move to bridge the gap between predominantly English-based AI models and speakers of these essential languages. With such targeted initiatives, it’s clear that the UAE is making conscious efforts to ensure that no one gets left behind in this high-tech race.
Another testament to the UAE’s commitment to AI is its bold appointment of Omar Sultan Al Olama as the country’s AI Minister back in 2017. During a candid interview with the Atlantic Council, a DC-based think tank, he acknowledged that while the UAE is traversing a challenging landscape alongside giants like the US and China, there’s potential for international collaboration. He noted that private investment in AI technology reached an astounding $67.2 billion in the US and $7.8 billion in China just last year, according to Stanford’s Center for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence.
In that same interview, Al Olama said something thought-provoking: “I don’t think it’s going to be a zero-sum game where it’s only going to be AI that’s developed in the US, or only going to be AI that’s developed in China or the UAE. What is going to happen is that we’re going to have centers and nodes of excellence across the world…” His words linger in the air. Could this vision of interlinked innovation hold the key to a more collaborative global future?
The UAE is undeniably one of the wealthiest countries globally, thanks largely to its extensive oil reserves. With Abu Dhabi contributing a staggering 96% of the UAE’s oil production, it holds its place among the world’s top ten oil producers, according to the International Trade Administration. The ruling family of Abu Dhabi also manages formidable sovereign wealth funds, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Mubadala Investment Company. These funds could serve not only as a cushion for the economy but also as vital fuel for developing a thriving AI ecosystem.
According to a PwC report, AI could contribute a substantial $96 billion to the UAE economy by 2030, making up around 13.6% of its GDP. But money is merely a part of the equation. The critical question looms: Can this relatively small Gulf nation attract the talent necessary to match the prowess of Silicon Valley?
Recent trends appear promising. Al Olama reported that the number of AI workers in the UAE has quadrupled to 120,000 from 2021 to 2023. In 2019, the country initiated its ‘golden visa’ program aimed at IT professionals, simplifying entry for AI experts. Moreover, Dubai recently launched the world’s largest prompt engineering initiative, aspiring to upskill one million workers over the next three years.
However, challenges persist. The UAE has faced criticism regarding the treatment of its migrant workforce—who represent 88% of the population. Reports of labor abuses, including exposure to punishing heat, exploitative recruitment fees, and wage theft, surfaced from organizations like Human Rights Watch. In response, the government has passed various labor laws designed to better protect these workers, but the path forward remains fraught with complexities.
Over the past decade, Abu Dhabi has evolved into a hub for AI research and education. In 2010, New York University opened a branch there, focusing on AI, and in 2019, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence launched with a mission to advance AI for the greater good. Notably, this university was instrumental in organizing the inaugural International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence in August, which attracted students from over 40 countries.
As Nancy Gleason, an advisor on AI at NYU Abu Dhabi, aptly noted, “Abu Dhabi may not directly surpass Silicon Valley; however, it has the potential to become a significant AI hub in its own right.” With strategic investments in AI research, educational initiatives, and a government-led vision, the UAE is laying the groundwork for a promising future. “The leadership’s strategic vision, substantial investments, and industry initiatives make it a noteworthy contender in the AI field.”
In the grand scheme of things, it’s not just about technology; it’s about finding a community where the intellectual and emotional needs of individuals can flourish. “It’s very nice to live here,” Gleason adds, hinting at the idea that innovation can thrive where people are happy and fulfilled.
As we watch the UAE’s journey unfold, one thing is clear: the realm of AI holds far-reaching implications for societies around the world. Are we ready to embrace this transformation?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
