The UAE’s artificial intelligence sector is one of the most advanced across the globe. The Gulf state appointed the world’s first AI minister in 2017, created the first dedicated AI research university in 2020 and launched a top-rated open-source LLM in 2023.
“AI is not a luxury, it is a necessity in this day and age,” said Omar Al Olama, UAE’s Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and rEmote Work Applications,” at Dubai’s AI Retreat, attended by more than 1,000 AI experts, policymakers and industry leaders.
Held at Museum of the Future under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, the event highlighted the objectives of the emirate’s Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence – seeking to turn Dubai into a leading city for AI adoption.
US tech firms notable presence at AI retreat in Dubai
The 2024 AI retreat came days after His Highness announced the appointment of 22 chief AI officers to multiple government departments, such as Dubai Police, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority and the Department of Economy and Tourism.
Companies such as Microsoft, Google, Nvidia, Oracle, IBM, SAP and Samsung had a notable presence at the event, and so did AI-focused firms such as OpenAI and InstaDeep. Roundtable discussions included themes around data regulation and AI talent ecosystems.
During a discussion on the government’s involvement in advancing AI technology, Rod Solaimani, Middle East policy and partnerships lead at ChatGPT maker OpenAI, expressed his strong belief in the profound impact that AI is ready to have in the near future.
G42 and Microsoft-backed OpenAI announce deal
The UAE seeks to emerge as a frontrunner in the AI industry as its economy diversifies away from oil. Its efforts have resulted in the establishment of several startups and partnerships. In 2024, prominent UAE AI firm G42 received a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft.
Last October, G42 and Microsoft-backed ChatGPT maker OpenAI announced a partnership to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to the UAE and regional markets. Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, expressed excitement over the partnership.
“At the core of our mission lies the pursuit of AI as a transformative force for good, fueling innovation and progress. Our partnership with OpenAI transcends technological synergy; it is a convergence of value and vision,” the chief executive commented on the partnership.
UAE could serve as a “regulatory sandbox” to test AI
Sam Altman, Co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, called the partnership a “significant commitment to further harnessing AI’s transformative power … This collaboration lays the foundation for equitable advancements in generative AI across the globe.”
From Microsoft and Nvidia to OpenAI and IBM, the UAE and some of the US’s leading technology companies are forging deep partnerships. These ventures not only enhance UAE-US relations but are expected to have a positive impact on the Global South.
Sam Altman believes the UAE could lead discussions on global AI rules. In a virtual appearance at the World Governments Summit in February, he said the UAE could serve as a “regulatory sandbox” to test AI technologies and later spearhead global rules limiting their use.
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