United Arab Emirates leads global rankings for artificial intelligence expertise
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), with ambitious plans to increase the sector's contribution to the country's GDP by up to 14 per cent by 2030, amounting to over $100 billion in economic output.
This strategic push for AI is driven by a combination of massive investments, pioneering legal frameworks, advanced education programs, and robust global partnerships. The UAE's AI focus began with the launch of the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 in 2017, and the appointment of a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence the same year.
One of the key strategic aspects is a $1.4 trillion investment framework for AI over the next decade. This ambitious program, in partnership with the US, focuses on building a regional AI ecosystem comprising research institutions, sovereign AI bodies like the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Office, and national AI infrastructure. The initiative aims to diversify the economy beyond oil and embed AI broadly in public services like traffic management and judiciary systems.
Global partnerships with the US involve technological collaboration, research, and development efforts that accelerate AI adoption and innovation, placing the UAE as a technological and economic pioneer in the region.
The UAE has also developed a comprehensive AI regulatory ecosystem. In April 2025, the UAE Cabinet approved the world's first AI-powered regulatory intelligence ecosystem. The UAE's AI legal framework includes the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, emphasizing responsible AI integration across sectors. Key laws such as the DIFC Data Protection Law (amended 2023) and Federal Decree-Law No 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection create safeguards for AI while fostering innovation.
Education plays a crucial role in the UAE's AI strategy. The country has integrated AI education from kindergarten through higher education. The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), established in 2019, offers over 44 advanced AI programs and ranks among the top global universities in AI disciplines.
The UAE is also building AI infrastructure and data sovereignty to reduce reliance on overseas centers, enhance data security, speed up AI services, and position itself as a strategic AI hub linking Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The UAE's efforts have paid off, with AI-focused startups in the UAE raising more than $1.3 billion in venture capital in 2024 alone, with projections pointing to a 25 per cent increase in funding in 2025. The UAE's neutral diplomatic positioning and strong ties with both Western and Eastern tech partners make it a magnet for cross-border AI collaboration.
The battle for AI talent is at the heart of the UAE's transformation. The country has outpaced countries such as Italy and Russia in AI talent pool, and its strength lies in policy innovation and ecosystem-building. The UAE has been ranked among the top 20 nations for artificial intelligence (AI) talent density.
The UAE's efforts in creating AI labs, reskilling programs, and special visas for AI professionals are enhancing its ability to attract and retain global talent. The Dubai Future Foundation is pioneering large-scale AI use cases in government and urban mobility through its Dubai AI Roadmap.
MBZUAI is collaborating with global tech giants including IBM, NVIDIA, and BCG. The university is currently ranked among the top 50 institutions in AI research output.
According to Dmitry Kaminskiy of Deep Knowledge Group, the strategic focus on AI by Saudi Arabia and the UAE is setting the stage for a tectonic shift in global AI leadership. The IFF report's co-author noted that the UAE provides a unique balance of global accessibility, talent development, and future-ready governance.
In conclusion, the UAE's strategic investments, global cooperative efforts, rigorous governance frameworks, and focus on education create a comprehensive AI ecosystem. They position the UAE as a leader in AI development and governance on the global stage.
- The UAE's ambitious AI plans aim to increase the sector's contribution to the country's GDP by up to 14 percent by 2030, amounting to over $100 billion in economic output.
- Education is a crucial component of the UAE's AI strategy, with the country integrating AI education from kindergarten through higher education.
- The UAE's AI regulatory ecosystem includes the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and laws such as the DIFC Data Protection Law (amended 2023) and Federal Decree-Law No 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection.
- The UAE's efforts in creating AI labs, reskilling programs, and special visas for AI professionals are enhancing its ability to attract and retain global AI talent.
- Global partnerships with the US involve technological collaboration, research, and development efforts that accelerate AI adoption and innovation, placing the UAE as a technological and economic pioneer in the region.
- The UAE's efforts in creating AI infrastructure and data sovereignty aim to reduce reliance on overseas centers, enhance data security, speed up AI services, and position itself as a strategic AI hub linking Europe, Asia, and Africa.
