UAE Artificial Intelligence Landscape

The United Arab Emirates has positioned itself as a global hub for innovation and technology, particularly in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). With the UAE National Strategy 2031, the government has outlined its vision to become a leading global destination for AI, aiming to leverage this transformative technology across various sectors to enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall quality of life.

UAE National Strategy 2031:

The UAE National Strategy 2031 emphasizes the integration of AI into various aspects of society, including education, healthcare, transportation, and government services. It seeks to establish the UAE as a pioneer in AI research, development, and deployment, fostering an ecosystem conducive to innovation and technological advancement.

Key pillars of the strategy include:

• ??? Education and Research: Promoting AI education and research initiatives to nurture talent and expertise in the field, including partnerships with leading academic institutions and the establishment of specialized AI centers.
• ?? Regulatory Framework: Developing comprehensive regulations and policies to govern the ethical and responsible use of AI, ensuring transparency, accountability, and data privacy.
• Infrastructure and Investment: Investing in AI infrastructure, including high-speed connectivity and cloud computing capabilities, to support the development and deployment of AI applications.
• Public Sector Transformation: Implementing AI solutions across government services to streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and improve citizen satisfaction.
• Private Sector Engagement: Encouraging private sector participation and investment in AI innovation, fostering collaboration between startups, corporations, and government entities.

Leading Players:

Policy and Regulation

1. Ministry of State for Artificial Intelligence

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama was appointed as the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in October 2017 and later assumed the role of Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications in July 2020. He spearheads UAE's endeavors to become a global leader in the digital economy and remote work applications. His responsibilities include enhancing government performance through investments in cutting-edge AI technologies across various sectors.

?Ministry of Artificial Intelligence main responsibilities:

·???????? Shaping policies, strategies, and regulations in the domains of artificial intelligence, digital economy, and remote work applications.

• Leveraging technology and innovation to enhance UAE's competitiveness and foster economic growth.
• Improving citizen well-being through the implementation of advanced technologies.
• Achieving the goals outlined in the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the UAE Digital Economy Strategy.
• Positioning the UAE as a global innovation hub in robotics and artificial intelligence.

2.?????? Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC)

In January 2024, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed, the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, introduced the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), highlighting the UAE's commitment to technological progress. This initiative signifies a pivotal move toward shaping the nation's digital landscape, promoting efficiency, and sustainability. The AIATC is charged with developing policies, conducting research, and strategizing investments in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the Emirate's leadership in AI and advanced technology. H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi is the Chair of the AIATC

Research & Development

1. Technology Innovation Institute : ?TII is a prominent research institute in the UAE dedicated to advancing cutting-edge technologies, including AI, robotics, and cybersecurity. It collaborates with industry partners and academic institutions to drive innovation and develop practical applications.
2. Dubai Future Forum - The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has played a pivotal role in driving forward the UAE's AI agenda, particularly in Dubai, by spearheading various initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, research, and adoption of artificial intelligence technologies. Among the initiatives are: Dubai Center for Artificial Intelligence, Dubai Generative AI Alliance (The alliance will comprise leading technology companies, who will draw on their international networks and expertise to tackle government challenges.), Dubai Future Lab and etc.
3. AI71 - AI71, a pioneering AI company launched in November 2023 by Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and VentureOne, marks a pivotal moment in AI innovation. Built upon the globally top-ranked Falcon AI models from the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), AI71 focuses on multi-domain advancements, with initial targets including the medical, education, and legal sectors.
4. ADIA Lab -Owned by ADIA, biggest Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund, ADIA Lab dedicated to basic and applied research in data and computational sciences
5. MBZUAI (Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence) - Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), inaugurated in 2019 in Abu Dhabi, stands as a leading institution dedicated to AI education and research. Offering graduate programs in machine learning, robotics, and other AI disciplines, MBZUAI boasts a renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. Through collaboration with industry partners, the university aims to advance AI knowledge and innovation globally. MBZUAI's commitment to nurturing AI talent and fostering the development of the AI ecosystem underscores its pivotal role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

?Commercial and Investments platforms

?1.?????? G42 : is a leading AI and cloud computing company based in Abu Dhabi. It focuses on developing AI-driven solutions for various industries, including healthcare, energy, aerospace, smart cities, cyber, smart mobility and defense. Under the group there are the following companies:

• AIQ – A collaboration with ADNOC which focused on to artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions to the Energy industry.
• Core42 – Focused on cloud, cybersecurity, AI & data, and digital services
• M42 Health – A collaboration between G42 Healthcare and Mubadala Healthcare
• Presight – Focused on Data Analytics
• Bayanat Smart Solutions - AI-powered geospatial solutions

1. 2PointZero- The Board of Abu Dhabi-based conglomerate, International Holding Company (IHC), unveiled 2PointZero in January 2024. This next-generation holding company integrates a diverse portfolio of companies under the IHC umbrella. 2PointZero is poised to advance across various industry verticals, encompassing private equity, venture capital, credit management, financial services, investment banking, AI and technology, mineral management, digital ecosystems, cryptocurrency, and mobility sectors. It epitomizes a forward-looking vision aimed at driving progress and innovation across multiple domains.
2. MGX - MGX was established in March 2024 by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in collaboration with Mubadala and G42, a technology investment company aimed at advancing leading-edge technologies to benefit current and future generations. The new company targeting deals in artificial intelligence and semiconductors that could surpass US$100 billion in assets under management (AUM) in a few years, according to people familiar with the matter. ?The company's investment strategy focuses on accelerating the development and adoption of AI and advanced technologies through global partnerships, particularly in AI infrastructure, semiconductors, and core AI technologies and applications. ?H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chair of the AIATC, will chair the company's Board of Directors, with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak as Vice-Chair, and other prominent members including Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Peng Xiao, and Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi. Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi, CEO of Mubadala’s Direct Investments platform, will lead MGX as CEO, leveraging his extensive operational and investment experience to drive the company's success.
3. Sirius Digitech International –On December 2023, Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) has formed a joint venture with a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi conglomerate International Holding Company (IHC) to cash in on India’s growing digitisation market. The new entity will be ?based in Abu Dhabi. The venture is expected to develop cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and enterprise blockchain products, as well as industrial applications, with plans to extend offerings in FinTech, HealthTech and GreenTech.

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