The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has set its sights on becoming the next Silicon Valley and a hub for artificial intelligence (AI) technology, according to experts. With a growing tech industry and favorable government policies, the UAE is positioning itself to attract tech talent and investment from around the world.
The UAE has already made significant strides in the tech industry, with Dubai hosting the annual GITEX Technology Week and Abu Dhabi hosting the World Future Energy Summit. The country has also invested heavily in smart city initiatives, such as the development of Masdar City, a sustainable urban development in Abu Dhabi, and the implementation of blockchain technology in various industries.
In recent years, the UAE has focused on building a strong foundation for its AI industry. The country launched the UAE AI Strategy in 2017, which aims to position the UAE as a leader in AI by 2031. The strategy includes initiatives such as establishing an AI lab, launching an AI graduate program, and hosting the AI and Robotics Award for Good, which recognizes innovative AI solutions that benefit humanity.
The UAE has also implemented policies to attract AI talent and investment. In 2018, the government announced the launch of the UAE Golden Visa program, which offers long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized professionals, including those in the AI industry. The country has also created free zones, such as Dubai Internet City and Dubai Silicon Oasis, which offer tax exemptions and other incentives to tech companies.
According to experts, the UAE’s favorable policies and growing tech industry make it an attractive destination for AI investment and talent. “The UAE is creating a nurturing environment for the tech industry, with favorable regulations and government support,” said Mustafa Alrawi, editor-in-chief of The National, a UAE-based news outlet. “As a result, the country is attracting some of the brightest minds in the tech world.”
One area where the UAE is focusing its AI efforts is in healthcare. In 2019, the UAE launched the National AI Program for Healthcare, which aims to use AI to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce costs. The program includes initiatives such as using AI to detect and diagnose diseases, predicting patient outcomes, and personalizing treatment plans.
The UAE is also investing in AI research and development. The country’s largest telecommunications provider, Etisalat, has launched an AI and blockchain lab to develop innovative solutions for industries such as healthcare, education, and finance. The Abu Dhabi-based research institution, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, is also attracting top talent from around the world to conduct AI research.
Experts say that the UAE’s focus on AI and tech is part of a larger strategy to diversify the country’s economy beyond oil and gas. “The UAE is positioning itself as a hub for innovation and technology, with the goal of creating a knowledge-based economy,” said Dr. Ahmad Belhoul, the UAE’s Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises. “By investing in AI and other emerging technologies, we can create new industries and job opportunities for our citizens.”
While the UAE’s AI ambitions are promising, experts say that the country still faces challenges in building a thriving AI industry. One challenge is the lack of a large domestic market for AI products and services. “The UAE is a small country, and there is only so much demand for AI within its borders,” said Alrawi. “To truly become a hub for AI, the UAE needs to attract customers and investors from around the world.”
Another challenge is the shortage of skilled AI talent. While the UAE has made efforts to attract talent from around the world, experts say that there is still a shortage of skilled AI professionals in the country. “AI is a highly specialized field, and there are not enough qualified professionals to meet the demand,” said Dr. Belhoul.
