UAE's Leadership in Artificial Intelligence: Driving Innovation and Global Partnerships 

The UAE is solidifying its position as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technology, with a clear vision to be among the world’s most advanced nations in this critical sector. This leadership is driven by the country's commitment to innovation, significant investments, and strategic global partnerships.

As part of this initiative, the UAE is accelerating its AI and tech investments to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future. International business leaders emphasize the UAE's pivotal role in global AI developments. According to Kiril Evtimov, Group Chief Technology Officer at G42 and CEO of Core42, the UAE is now at the forefront of AI advancements, positioning itself alongside mature technology markets such as the U.S. He pointed out Microsoft’s recent $1.5 billion investment in G42 as a key indicator of the UAE's role in driving AI innovation across crucial sectors like healthcare, education, and energy.

Evtimov also highlighted the UAE’s impressive ranking as the third-highest country globally in attracting AI talent. This achievement underscores the nation's focus on cultivating a skilled workforce to drive its digital transformation agenda. G42, a key player in the AI space, offers comprehensive solutions ranging from advanced data centers to sophisticated AI models, serving global clients. He further underscored the company's commitment to developing AI in a safe and responsible manner, ensuring benefits for society. With the launch of two new research centers in collaboration with Microsoft and a partnership with NVIDIA, G42 is addressing real-world challenges, cementing Abu Dhabi’s and the UAE's position as global AI hubs.

Jacob Chacko, Regional Director for the Middle East & Africa at HPE Aruba Networking, echoed this sentiment, noting the UAE's visionary leadership in AI adoption. According to Chacko, AI is transforming key sectors across the nation, enhancing the quality of life and contributing to the economy’s growth.

Ahmad Alkhallafi, Managing Director of Hewlett Packard Enterprise for the UAE and Africa, emphasized the country's long-term AI strategy, which is backed by substantial financial investments and ambitious leadership. He noted that the UAE's AI initiatives are expected to yield significant economic benefits by 2031. Beyond financial investments, the UAE is also focused on developing local talent and fostering AI research, integrating AI into critical sectors like education, healthcare, transport, and energy to boost operational efficiency and national innovation.

Hyther Nizam, President of Zoho for the Middle East and Africa, praised the UAE's approach to harnessing AI’s full potential. He emphasized that the country is prioritizing public and private sector collaboration to fuel AI-driven growth, ensuring that the UAE remains at the forefront of this promising field.

Through its robust investments, strategic collaborations, and commitment to nurturing AI talent, the UAE is not only driving technological advancements but also positioning itself as a global leader in AI and innovation.