In recent years, the UAE has established itself as a global frontrunner in artificial intelligence, marked by a strategic vision that goes well beyond monetary investment. Valued at approximately AED12.743 billion ($3.5 billion) in 2023, the nation’s AI market is projected to grow to an impressive AED170.143 billion ($46.3 billion) by 2030. Yet these figures only hint at the scale of transformation underway across the Emirates.
Central to this transformation is a national vision that views artificial intelligence not simply as an engine for economic growth, but as a strategic force reshaping the relationship between society, data, and automation.Â
As Tarek Kabrit, CEO of the Dubai-based technology firm Seez, observes, AI represents more than just a market opportunity—it signals a fundamental shift in how businesses, governments, and individuals engage with information and decision-making processes. This perspective reflects the UAE’s commitment to a human-centric model of digital progress.
National Strategy and Massive Investment
The UAE’s pursuit of artificial intelligence was formally set in motion in 2017 with the introduction of the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence. Designed with a long-term vision, the strategy seeks to embed AI technologies across key sectors such as healthcare, transportation, energy, and education by 2031. Supporting this ambition is a robust and expansive infrastructure, purpose-built to enable large-scale integration.
A key example of the UAE’s commitment is Abu Dhabi’s MGX sovereign fund, which has allocated AED367 billion to AI-related assets. In parallel, a dedicated billion-dollar fund has been launched to advance chip manufacturing and expand data center infrastructure, supported by strategic collaborations with global technology leaders including Nvidia, AMD, and OpenAI.Â
These investments underscore a critical insight: lasting innovation in artificial intelligence demands more than advanced algorithms—it relies on a well-developed ecosystem comprising hardware, skilled talent, and leading research institutions.
Human Capital at the Core
The UAE’s AI strategy is distinguished not only by its focus on infrastructure but also by its strong emphasis on human capital. Acknowledging that sustainable technological leadership depends on a highly skilled workforce, the government has implemented nationwide initiatives aimed at equipping over one million residents with AI-related competencies. As a result, the number of AI professionals in the country has seen a fourfold increase in recent years, now approaching 120,000.
Ethical AI and Governance
With the expanding influence of artificial intelligence comes an equally pressing need for ethical oversight. In response, the UAE has enacted a comprehensive AI Ethics Charter alongside federal data protection legislation, designed to ensure that technological advancement does not compromise individual rights or privacy. These regulatory frameworks are intended to maintain a delicate equilibrium fostering innovation while upholding the broader public interest.
Real-World Impact Already Underway
AI is already delivering tangible outcomes across the Emirates. In healthcare, AI applications are growing at over 40 percent annually, driving improvements in diagnostics, treatment personalization, and patient outcomes. In the transport sector, cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are utilizing AI for predictive traffic management, emissions reduction, and enhanced urban mobility.
These real-world applications are just the beginning. As AI becomes more deeply integrated into daily life, the UAE’s long-term investments in infrastructure, policy, and people are set to yield dividends far beyond economic returns.
Looking Ahead
With a projected 20 percent contribution to the UAE’s non-oil GDP by 2031, AI is fast becoming a cornerstone of the nation’s economic and social fabric. Yet what makes the UAE’s AI journey truly remarkable is not just its speed or scale it is the clarity of vision behind it. A vision that sees technology not as an end, but as a means to enrich lives, empower communities, and create new opportunities.
One Investments remains dedicated to advancing initiatives that reinforce Dubai’s position as a premier global hub. With a focus on long-term capital growth and informed by in-depth market intelligence, we guide clients toward high-potential, strategically sound investment opportunities.
