UAE Strengthens Global Position as a Rising Force in AI Readiness

The United Arab Emirates has been recognised as one of the leading emerging economies in artificial intelligence readiness, according to a study presented during the Dubai AI Assembly at Dubai AI Week. The new report by Boston Consulting Group , titled *GCC AI Pulse: Mapping the Region’s Readiness for an AI-Driven Future*, places the UAE in the “AI Contender” category, underlining the country’s growing ambitions and investments in digital innovation.

BCG’s 2024 AI Maturity Matrix, which formed the basis of the study, evaluates countries across four distinct stages of AI advancement: AI Emergents, Practitioners, Contenders, and Pioneers. The UAE’s positioning as an AI Contender puts it in an elite bracket alongside 31 other economies, including Saudi Arabia, demonstrating a significant leap in technological capacity and strategic implementation of AI systems. This classification reflects a mature AI ecosystem, characterised by robust government support, progressive regulatory frameworks, and a commitment to integrating AI across multiple sectors.

The AI Assembly in Dubai, where the report was presented, attracted policymakers, tech leaders, and innovators from across the globe, aiming to shape international discussions on the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. The UAE’s representation at the event, led by key government and private sector figures, further highlighted the country’s determination to be a global hub for AI advancements.

According to the report’s findings, the UAE is distinguished by its national AI strategy, first unveiled in 2017, which aims to position the country as a global leader in AI by 2031. The strategy encompasses investments in education, research, and infrastructure, while also promoting AI adoption in sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and finance. In practical terms, initiatives like the establishment of the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and the AI Ministry underscore the government’s proactive approach.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, reaffirmed during the Assembly the UAE’s vision to harness AI as a catalyst for economic diversification and future readiness. "Our ambition is not just to keep pace with the world’s technological advancements but to lead in developing frameworks and innovations that drive sustainable growth," he stated.

One of the primary indicators contributing to the UAE’s Contender status is the country's focus on nurturing AI talent and academic research. Institutions such as Khalifa University and the Mohamed bin Zayed University are actively collaborating with international tech companies and research centres to produce cutting-edge AI research. This educational emphasis complements broader governmental efforts to foster a homegrown AI workforce, a critical factor in achieving long-term technological sovereignty.

The private sector also plays a vital role in the UAE’s AI evolution. Companies across diverse industries have been actively deploying AI solutions to optimise operations, improve customer experience, and drive new revenue streams. Notable examples include Emirates Airlines’ use of AI for operational efficiency and predictive maintenance, and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s integration of AI for enhanced resource management and energy transition initiatives.

Despite its significant progress, the UAE faces challenges that could impact its trajectory towards becoming an AI Pioneer. BCG’s report highlights issues such as data privacy concerns, the need for further regulatory clarity, and the importance of maintaining an ethical framework for AI development. Experts argue that addressing these challenges is essential to ensuring trust and long-term sustainability in AI adoption.

Globally, countries classified as AI Pioneers, including the United States, China, and the United Kingdom, exhibit a deeper integration of AI at systemic levels, from governance structures to societal norms. For the UAE to ascend into this category, analysts suggest a greater emphasis on homegrown innovation, scaling AI research into commercial applications, and strengthening international partnerships focused on ethical AI practices.

The geopolitical dimensions of AI are also shaping the UAE’s strategy. As countries increasingly recognise AI supremacy as a determinant of future economic and security advantages, the UAE’s proactive investments are viewed as part of a broader national agenda to enhance strategic autonomy. Diplomatic engagements, such as partnerships with leading AI nations and participation in global regulatory discussions, are reinforcing the UAE’s influence in the emerging global AI order.

AI governance remains a critical priority. The UAE is pushing for the establishment of international standards that ensure the ethical use of AI, balancing innovation with human rights and societal well-being. During the Dubai AI Assembly, Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, emphasised that "AI must be developed responsibly, with frameworks that ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability."

As global competition in AI intensifies, the UAE’s agile policy-making, combined with strategic investments in innovation ecosystems, suggests a trajectory that could soon elevate the country’s status from a Contender to a Pioneer. However, experts caution that success will depend on the country’s ability to continue cultivating a skilled workforce, build robust and resilient AI systems, and maintain a strong focus on ethical practices.