KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi is charting an ambitious path to the future, investing billions in artificial intelligence, technology, and education to transform its economy and establish itself as a global leader in innovation and progress.
At the heart of this ambition has been the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world's first graduate-level, research-based AI university. Since its establishment in 2019, MBZUAI has attracted faculty and students from around the globe, fostering a hub for innovation and advanced research.
"Our goal is to empower a new generation of AI leaders," said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairman of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees. "We are committed to advancing AI as a global force for positive progress."
The UAE's commitment to AI is not just academic. In 2017, the country appointed the world's first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, signalling the national priority placed on emerging technology. Building on this, the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 aims to integrate AI into government services and key industries, with the goal of boosting GDP by up to 14% by the end of the decade.
Major Investments and Partnerships
Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth funds have been making strategic investments in AI and technology companies worldwide. Mubadala Investment Company, managing over $230 billion in assets, has committed substantial resources to AI-focused ventures. Through its partnership with SoftBank's Vision Fund, Mubadala has backed companies such as Arm Holdings and various tech startups specialising in AI and machine learning.
On the home front, G42, an Abu Dhabi-based leader in AI and cloud computing, has emerged as a key player in the region. Under the leadership of CEO Peng Xiao, the company is driving innovation across sectors like healthcare, finance, and oil and gas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, G42 was instrumental in deploying AI-driven testing and diagnostic solutions.
Expanding its reach, G42 partnered in 2020 with US-based health tech firm Nanox to introduce advanced medical imaging services to the UAE and beyond. The company has also collaborated with global technology giants to bolster its AI and cloud capabilities. This has included the likes of Microsoft, which invested $1.5 billion in G42 earlier this year, as well as partnerships with IBM and Nvidia.
Strategic Focus on AI Integration
The UAE government is driving AI integration across public services through ambitious initiatives. The Smart Dubai programme aspires to make Dubai the "happiest city on Earth" by leveraging AI to deliver efficient and user-friendly city services. One example is the UAE Pass, a national digital identity platform that employs AI for secure authentication across federal and local government systems.
In education, the UAE is introducing AI and coding into school curriculums, preparing students for future job markets. According to the UAE Ministry of Education, over 50% of schools have integrated AI-related subjects into their programmes as of 2022.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The UAE's strategic investments in AI are starting to pay dividends. According to a PwC report, AI could add up to $96 billion to the nation's economy by 2030. The UAE also leads the Middle East in AI innovation, ranking 19th globally in the 2021 Global Innovation Index, reflecting its rapid progress.
"Artificial intelligence is central to our vision for a diversified and knowledge-based economy," said Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to the European Union.
"We are creating an ecosystem that encourages innovation and attracts global talent."
Building on its progress, the UAE is proactively addressing key areas to ensure sustainable AI growth. Recognising the importance of ethical considerations, data privacy, and workforce readiness, the government has implemented forward-looking measures, such as the National Program for Artificial Intelligence, to establish clear guidelines for the responsible and effective use of AI.