Introduction to AI Competitiveness

The United Arab Emirates has been ranked among the world’s best 20 nations for artificial intelligence talent density, alongside Saudi Arabia, in the latest Global AI competitiveness index. This index was published by the International Finance Forum and Deep Knowledge Group. With 0.7 percent of the global AI talent pool, the UAE has surpassed countries such as Italy and Russia, solidifying its growing stature as a global innovative powerhouse.

Strategic Investments and Visionary Politics

The UAE’s focus on AI began with the introduction of the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, aiming to integrate AI into key sectors like education, healthcare, transportation, and space. The country was one of the first in the world to appoint a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in 2017. Today, the UAE has expanded its AI initiatives to include the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, a graduate-level, research-focused university that attracts global talent and publishes research on cutting-edge AI topics.

Strength of the UAE’s AI Ecosystem

The UAE’s AI ecosystem has gained strength through long-term strategic investments, visionary politics, and global partnerships. This positions the country at the forefront of AI development and governance. The UAE’s business-friendly environment, tax-free salaries, and high quality of life attract leading scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs from around the world. The Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence is currently one of the world’s top institutions in AI research production and collaborates with global tech giants like IBM, NVIDIA, and BCG to advance research in machine learning, robotics, computer vision, and AI ethics.

Global Influence and Competitiveness

The International Finance Forum report highlights the UAE’s growing influence on global AI competitiveness, not only by evaluating talent density but also by assessing the country’s institutional and innovative performance. The UAE outperforms many traditional tech economies in per capita AI talent and research productivity, partly due to its attractive environment for businesses and individuals. According to Dmitry Kaminskiy from Deep Knowledge Group, the UAE’s strategic focus on AI, combined with visionary investments in talent and infrastructure, is poised to trigger a tectonic shift in global AI leadership.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

The UAE aims to increase the AI sector’s contribution to its GDP by up to 14 percent by 2030, which could lead to over $100 billion in economic production. Much of this growth is expected to come from AI applications in logistics, government services, fintech, and smart city solutions, particularly in hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Dubai Future Foundation and Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 are pioneering large-scale AI applications and fostering a thriving startup ecosystem. AI-focused startups in the UAE collected over $1.3 billion in venture capital in 2024 alone, indicating a robust and growing AI industry.

Conclusion

The UAE’s unique balance of global accessibility, talent development, and future governance makes it an attractive location for cross-border AI cooperation. The country’s neutral diplomatic positioning and strong relationships with both western and eastern tech partners further solidify its position as a magnet for global AI talent and innovation. As the world competes for AI talent, the UAE’s efforts to attract and retain global experts through initiatives like the national program for coders and special visas for AI specialists will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge in the global AI landscape.