The UAE Government says it will be a global leader in AI by funding initiatives that promote innovation, investment, and regulatory development.
According to a recent report, the UAE’s AI development is projected to have a significant impact on the national economy. Studies indicate that AI will contribute approximately 13.6% to the UAE’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030, translating to nearly USD 100 billion.
This places the UAE among the top nations in AI-driven economic expansion, following China and the United States.
In the Middle East and North Africa, AI is expected to account for between 20% and 34% of total economic growth, with the UAE leading the region due to its proactive adoption of AI-driven solutions.
The UAE has implemented a structured regulatory framework to facilitate AI innovations, particularly in financial technology and digital transactions.
Cybersecurity remains a central focus, with recent regulations aimed at protecting digital assets, securing personal data, and ensuring corporate compliance with international AI governance standards.
Abu Dhabi has set an ambitious goal of becoming the world’s first fully AI-powered government.
Plans include the complete automation of administrative functions, the widespread adoption of sovereign cloud computing, and the development of AI-driven public services.
Oracle Senior Vice President of Technology Cloud and UAE Country Leader, Nick Redshaw, says that the UAE’s leadership in AI should be commended for its long-term digital transformation vision.
Nvidia AI Solutions Business Development Manager Ahmed Gamal agrees and says that the UAE has rapidly adopted AI technology across various industries already, making it a key regional player in global AI innovation.
He noted that the UAE was among the first countries to introduce a national AI strategy in 2017, with the goal of establishing itself as a global AI hub by 2031.
The strategy focuses on integrating AI into education, healthcare, transportation, and energy sectors to enhance efficiency and drive economic progress.
According to Gamal, the UAE has become a prime destination for investment in advanced technology, attracting both AI-focused startups and multinational corporations.
“Through strategic partnerships with global technology leaders, the country has cemented its status among the top AI nations. The UAE hosts several large-scale AI projects, and its continued investments are expected to generate substantial economic benefits over the coming years,” says Gamal.
Google Specialty AI & GenAI Regional Lead for Central and Eastern Europe and MENA Samer Al Jayyusi, says that regulatory flexibility with significant investments in emerging technologies has also helped position the UAE as an industry leader.
He noted that the country was one of the first to introduce AI-specific policies while also creating an innovation-driven environment that encourages AI research and development.
Boston Consulting Group Managing Director and Partner Dr. Akram Awad agrees.
“We credit its success to a well-developed digital ecosystem and a regulatory framework that attracts foreign investment. There has been a 40% increase in AI professionals in the country since 2022, further strengthening the UAE’s status as a hub for AI expertise,” says Dr. Awad.
