Today's Edition
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
In recent years Abu Dhabi has made a concerted effort to become one of the leading hubs for the emerging global AI industry.
This has included enormous investments in local companies, technological capability, education and infrastructure.
Today, according to Professor Mohammad Sharaf Expert in AI and Smart cities, the Emirate is successfully emerging as both a regional and global centre for the deployment of AI.
"Abu Dhabi is emerging as a regional and global AI hub due to major investments, initiatives like the Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI, and its focus on smart cities, healthcare, and fintech. Its strong regulatory framework and partnerships with global players further solidify its position in the AI ecosystem," Professor Mohammad Sharaf told Aletihad.
"The investment in AI in Abu Dhabi will benefit the wider region. As a leader in AI development, Abu Dhabi is investing in cutting-edge technologies, research, and talent, which will have a ripple effect across neighbouring countries. These advancements can address regional challenges in sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure by offering AI-driven solutions."
Several US companies have invested in the UAE's AI potential which has seen its ecosystem, largely driven by local company G42 expand.
As the UAE seeks to become a global leader in the fields of AI, the country has grown its relations with US which it sees as a vital technological partner to achieve its ambitions.
This has seen the signing of several high-profile deals with the US top tech firms.
Among the notable investments is Amazon's commitment of $5 billion to expand its AWS operations in the UAE, a move projected to create approximately 6,000 full-time jobs over the next 13 years.
Similarly, Microsoft has invested $1.5 billion in Abu Dhabi's G42, a partnership aimed at driving innovation in AI and digital transformation, this has since seen plans emerge to establish a number of AI research centres across Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, Google's ecosystem supports around 50,000 jobs in the UAE through its Android Developer System, underscoring the growing importance of tech in the region's economy.
Nvidia also maintains a longstanding relationship with the UAE and has recently partnered with G42 to use its Earth-2 platform, which aims to address climate change that is causing unprecedented damage to the global economy with floods, drought and extreme weather like rising temperatures in many places across the globe.
Moreover, in May 2024, the UAE and USA governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration and share knowledge in the field of IP rights protection.
"Deals with companies like Microsoft and Nvidia are crucial in bringing cutting-edge AI technology to the region, especially in areas like computer vision, natural language processing, and machine learning. These partnerships provide access to advanced tools, such as Nvidia's GPUs, essential for processing complex AI models, and Microsoft's cloud-based AI platforms, which enable scalable solutions," Dr. Sharaf said.
"This helps accelerate the development of AI-driven applications in industries like healthcare, security, and smart cities, fostering innovation and positioning the region as a leader in AI advancements."
In January, the UAE ranked first in the Arab world and 18th globally on the Government AI Readiness Index 2023 published by Oxford Insights.
The report, which measures government readiness to integrate AI in public services is based on three pillars: namely government, technology sector, and infrastructure, with the UAE improving substantially in all categories.
As it continues its stride towards further establishing itself as a top player in the AI business, Dr. Mohammad believes the country can help lead the entire region to the summit of the technological world.
"Abu Dhabi's push for AI innovation will also encourage other countries in the region to adopt similar technologies, creating a more interconnected, tech-driven ecosystem. This will enhance economic diversification, foster collaboration, and elevate the region's global competitiveness in AI, benefiting the entire Middle East," he said.
