The United Arab Emirates is rapidly establishing itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), driven by strategic partnerships with major cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and innovative companies like Rezolve Ai. This transformation is highlighted by the development of Falcon, the UAE’s first homegrown large language model (LLM), which aims to compete with the likes of OpenAI and Google.
According to Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, Chief Innovation Officer at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the UAE's commitment to AI began as early as 2017 when it appointed a minister for AI and established the first university dedicated to the technology. Speaking on the AB Majlis podcast, Dr. Kasmi emphasized the importance of partnerships in this journey. “We made the strategic decision to establish our partnership with AWS at the very early days of the Falcon programme,” he said, noting the significant support from AWS experts to leverage their cloud infrastructure.
The Falcon model is now available on AWS SageMaker, which allows developers to create applications, including chat services akin to ChatGPT. Dr. Kasmi pointed to a recent report by The Economist, which ranked the UAE among the top three countries globally for AI development, trailing only the United States and China. He attributed this achievement to the UAE leadership's vision, which has set a clear innovation agenda and aligned legal frameworks with infrastructure development and investment in innovation.
As the UAE continues to cultivate its AI ecosystem, the TII is focused on bringing Falcon to the application level through AI 71, a startup dedicated to integrating these models into practical products. Dr. Kasmi stressed that for businesses in the region, adopting AI-enabled resources is essential to maintain competitiveness. Government services in the UAE, which are already heavily digitalized, are well-positioned to incorporate AI solutions, with chief AI officers appointed across various ministries and government entities.
In addition to AI, the UAE is also making strides in quantum computing. TII is developing both quantum sensors and what Dr. Kasmi referred to as “the brain of the quantum computer.” He suggested that future systems will likely combine quantum and traditional computing infrastructure, stating, “If we really want to maintain our leadership in science and technology in the region, we have no choice when investing and supporting our quantum research laboratories.”
Meanwhile, Rezolve Ai, a global leader in retail-focused AI solutions, has recently launched its platform in the UAE, aiming to empower retailers with end-to-end transformation capabilities. This launch marks a significant milestone in Rezolve Ai’s expansion across the Middle East, as the company seeks to play a defining role in shaping the future of retail in the Gulf region.
According to Daniel Wagner, CEO of Rezolve Ai, the UAE is “the intersection of technology and ambition.” He noted that retailers in the UAE are not merely adopting digital tools but are actively redefining modern commerce. “This is the perfect time for us to bring Rezolve Ai’s capabilities to a country that shares our vision for intelligent, customer-first retail,” Wagner stated. The platform is designed to meet the evolving expectations of today’s digitally native consumers, offering insights into real-time customer behavior, demand forecasting, and seamless omnichannel integration.
AI spending across the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa (META) is projected to reach USD 4.5 billion in 2024, with expectations to soar to USD 14.6 billion by 2028, according to International Data Corporation (IDC). This impressive growth reflects a 34% compound annual growth rate, showcasing the region's deep commitment to digital transformation.
Rezolve Ai’s platform features its proprietary brainpowa LLM, specifically designed to eliminate common AI challenges such as hallucinations while enhancing accuracy in prediction and personalization. The company has also formed strategic partnerships with technology giants like Google and Microsoft to ensure swift deployment and measurable value for retailers.
With its scalable architecture and adaptable APIs, Rezolve Ai’s platform is built to serve both enterprise-level retailers and agile, digital-first brands. As consumers across the Middle East increasingly demand more intuitive, responsive, and personalized experiences, Rezolve Ai aims to support retailers in delivering world-class solutions that bridge the gap between physical and digital commerce.
As the UAE continues to lead the region in digital adoption, smart city innovation, and AI investment, Rezolve Ai is well-positioned to help retailers unlock the full potential of intelligent retail, turning data into meaningful, revenue-driving customer touchpoints. With the convergence of advanced AI capabilities and a robust digital strategy, the UAE is set to redefine the landscape of retail and technology in the coming years.
For those interested in keeping up with the latest developments in AI and business in the Gulf region, the AB Majlis podcast is available every Monday, offering insights and discussions on navigating this dynamic market.
