The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is enhancing its global status as a center for artificial intelligence (AI) through major international partnerships and initiatives. The UAE aims to become one of the world's foremost innovators by investing heavily and fostering collaborations, particularly with countries like France and the United States.
On February 6, 2025, during President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s state visit to France, the UAE signed the "UAE-French Framework for Cooperation on AI." This landmark agreement is set against the backdrop of the AI summit scheduled for February 10-11, which will see participation from around 100 countries. The framework marks an important step forward for both nations, focusing on developing AI capabilities and setting up frameworks for shared resources.
Under this agreement, the UAE and France plan to invest between 30 and 50 billion euros to establish an AI complex capable of delivering one gigawatt of processing power. This complex will house 35 centers dedicated to data collection and advancing computing capabilities necessary for cutting-edge AI applications.
Both nations recognize the importance of collaboration with global tech giants and academic institutions to push the envelope of AI technology. The French government has indicated its enthusiasm for this partnership, acknowledging its potential to reshape AI capabilities and applications not just regionally but globally.
"The framework for UAE-French cooperation on AI charts a promising path for enhanced collaboration between the UAE and France," stated the UAE government during the announcement. This kind of collaboration is not new for the UAE, which has long sought to leverage international partnerships as part of its broad strategy to diversify its economy and grow its technological infrastructure.
Alongside its partnership with France, the UAE has also been deepening its ties with the United States. During his visit to the U.S. in September 2024, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed solidified the collaborative effort between the two countries. Agreements signed include strategic partnerships with leading AI firms such as UiPath, which focuses on automation solutions based on AI.
These agreements not only aim to boost the UAE's capabilities but also support training local talent. The goal is to nurture skilled professionals who can propel the country’s digital transformation agenda and keep it competitive on the global stage.
The UAE has set ambitious targets to become the global leader in AI utilization by 2031, with plans to integrate AI across various sectors and improve service delivery through advanced data analysis and automation. With investments projected to reach up to 100 billion dollars, the UAE’s AI partnerships are poised to create significant economic momentum.
"We aim to become global leaders in employing AI across various services and data analysis," expressed Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, emphasizing the UAE's commitment to technology and innovation.
Through strategic agreements with major players like Microsoft and partnerships such as those with the American firm MGX, the UAE is promising to build centers of excellence for AI research and development. This not only enhances the infrastructure but also facilitates the creation of sustainable technology solutions, aligning with the nation's vision for reducing carbon emissions.
According to industry experts, these developments reflect the UAE's commitment to becoming more than just consumers of technology; it aspires to become producers of advanced technological solutions. The agreements with global firms bring valuable expertise and resources, allowing the UAE to build on its ambition effectively.
Overall, the merging of efforts between the UAE, France, and the United States signifies not just the pursuit of technological prowess but also creates pathways for efficient knowledge transfer and skill development, ensuring the local workforce can thrive within these innovative frameworks.
“This agreement strengthens our capabilities and aligns with our vision for sustainability and innovation,” remarked the UiPath CEO, outlining the broader benefits of these strategic collaborations.
The international collaborations are helping the UAE to not only attract talent from around the world but also to establish itself firmly as one of the top destinations for AI expertise. Reports indicate a 40% increase in the number of AI specialists within the country since 2022, reflecting the effectiveness of these initiatives.
From advanced data centers to innovative solutions powered by AI, the UAE's commitment to fostering sustainable technology is paving the way for its digital future. With its ambitious AI strategy and substantial investments, the UAE is poised to revolutionize its economic and technological landscapes, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the global AI race.
Indeed, the UAE is setting standards for what collaboration and innovation should look like on the world stage. Positioned among the top ten countries globally for AI competitiveness, it continues to build its reputation as a leading destination for AI technology and talent.