UAE's Strategic Investments Propel It into Global Top 10 for AI Companies Per Capita

The United Arab Emirates has ascended into the top 10 countries globally for the number of artificial intelligence companies per million inhabitants, as detailed in the Global AI Competitiveness Index. This achievement underscores the nation's commitment to becoming a leader in AI and digital innovation.

The Global AI Competitiveness Index, a collaborative effort between the International Finance Forum and Deep Knowledge Group, evaluated over 55,000 AI companies worldwide. The analysis considered factors such as company density, financing, and development to assess global AI enterprise landscapes. The UAE's position alongside established innovation hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong highlights its rapid progress in fostering an AI-conducive environment.

Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner of Deep Knowledge Group, remarked, "The UAE's ranking among the top 10 countries for AI companies per capita demonstrates how targeted investments are creating an ecosystem where AI innovation thrives. This is a blueprint for how nations can transform strategic vision into measurable impact."

The UAE's ascent in the AI sector is attributed to several strategic initiatives. In 2017, it became the first nation to appoint a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, signaling a high-level commitment to integrating AI into national development strategies. The government's AI Strategy 2031 aims to contribute AED 335 billion to the country's gross domestic product by 2031, with a focus on reducing operational costs by 50% through AI-driven solutions.

To support AI innovation projects, the UAE established the AED 10 billion Dubai Future Accelerator Fund. This fund is designed to foster the growth of AI enterprises and encourage the development of cutting-edge technologies within the nation.

Talent cultivation has been a cornerstone of the UAE's AI strategy. The Golden Visa program offers 10-year residency to AI professionals, attracting experts from around the globe. Additionally, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence , the world's first dedicated AI research university, has been established to advance education and research in AI. Collaborations with leading international universities have further bolstered the UAE's research capabilities, supported by substantial scholarships and research funding. These efforts have resulted in an annual AI talent growth rate of 30% within the country.

The nation's advanced digital infrastructure provides a solid foundation for AI development. With over 90% 5G network coverage and 97.1% internet penetration, the UAE offers an environment where AI companies can thrive. The presence of the largest data center cluster in the Middle East further enhances its capacity to support data-intensive AI applications.