UAE consolidates position as global AI superpower

ABU DHABI - The United Arab Emirates has firmly established itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence, securing the second position worldwide in AI capability, surpassed only by the United States. 

This ranking comes from a 2025 study by the US-based TRG Datacentres, which highlighted the UAE's significant advancements in the field.

The comprehensive analysis by TRG Datacentres assessed several key metrics, including national AI supercomputing power, the activity of AI companies, and governmental readiness for AI integration. 

The report revealed that the UAE possesses an impressive total AI computing power of 23.1M H100 equivalents, powered by over 188,000 advanced AI chips and a substantial power capacity of 6.4K megawatts. 

This formidable infrastructure underscores the nation's commitment to building a robust AI ecosystem. The UAE's forward-thinking approach was further evidenced by its high AI readiness index score of 70. 

The UAE's ascent in the AI world is the result of a deliberate and ambitious national strategy. The "UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031" outlines a clear vision to become a world leader in AI and for the technology to be a significant contributor to the nation's post-oil economy. 

This strategy is backed by substantial financial commitments, including the establishment of MGX, an AI investment fund expected to manage assets of up to $100 billion. 

 Furthermore, the UAE has demonstrated its commitment to global AI development with a $1 billion "AI for Development" initiative aimed at expanding AI infrastructure and services across Africa. 

This concerted push into artificial intelligence is a cornerstone of the UAE's economic diversification strategy. The nation is actively working to reduce its reliance on oil and gas, and AI is seen as a key engine for future growth. Projections indicate that AI could contribute as much as $96 billion to the UAE's GDP by 2030, which would account for nearly 14% of its economy. 

This economic transformation is expected to create new industries and high-value jobs, positioning the UAE as a leading knowledge-based economy.

Beyond the economic benefits, the UAE is leveraging its AI prowess to expand its global influence and soft power. By forging strategic partnerships with technology giants like Microsoft, Nvidia, and OpenAI, and by developing its own open-source AI models such as the Falcon series, the UAE is fostering innovation and collaboration on a global scale. 

This open approach to AI development is designed to accelerate scientific progress and ensure the benefits of the technology are shared broadly. 

The UAE's significant investments and strategic initiatives in artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming the nation into a global technology hub. With a clear vision for the future and the resources to make it a reality, the UAE is poised to remain at the forefront of the AI revolution for years to come.