UAE launches new AI model to compete with big tech

UAE’s TII Unleashes Falcon 2 AI Series to Challenge Tech Titans

DUBAI, May 13: Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has unleashed a formidable contender onto the global stage, redefining the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). With the release of the Falcon 2 series – comprising Falcon 2 11B, a text-based model, and Falcon 2 11B VLM, a visionary model translating images into text – the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signals its intent to challenge the dominance of major tech conglomerates.

TII, operating under Abu Dhabi’s esteemed Advanced Technology Research Council, underscores the UAE’s fervent commitment to pioneering advancements in AI technology. This strategic maneuver reinforces the nation’s aspiration to carve out a significant presence in the AI ecosystem, positioning itself as a potent force to be reckoned with.

The UAE’s strategic foray into AI development has not been without scrutiny, particularly from U.S. authorities, who have emphasized the criticality of aligning with American or Chinese technological paradigms. Negotiating this complex terrain, Emirati AI firm G42 strategically disengaged from Chinese hardware and investments, ultimately securing a substantial $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft, in a move coordinated with Washington.

Faisal Al Bannai, the Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council and a trusted advisor to the president on strategic research and advanced technology, exudes confidence in the UAE’s ability to compete and excel on the global AI stage.

The Falcon 2 series launch represents a broader narrative of fierce competition among companies and nations vying to develop sophisticated large language models. This fervor was catalyzed by the introduction of ChatGPT by OpenAI in 2022. While some entities opt to safeguard their AI innovations, others, like the UAE’s Falcon and Meta’s Llama, embrace openness by making their code publicly accessible. This ethos fosters collaboration and accelerates innovation, driving the industry forward.

Al Bannai’s optimism regarding the performance of Falcon 2 is palpable, as he hints at ongoing efforts towards the development of the “Falcon 3 generation.” His sentiments underscore the UAE’s unwavering resolve to not only participate but also lead in shaping the future of AI, asserting its prowess and competitiveness on the global stage.