Oil-rich Abu Dhabi Aspires to Lead in AI, Beginning with US Partnership

UAE’s Ambitious AI Strategy Sparks Global Technological Power Play

The world’s first minister dedicated to developing artificial intelligence (AI) strategy is becoming a central figure in a global power struggle for tech supremacy. Omar Al Olama, appointed in 2017 as the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, is at the forefront of the UAE’s ambitious AI agenda, which has garnered international attention and strategic partnerships.

In April, Microsoft (MSFT) announced a substantial $1.5 billion investment in G42, an AI group based in Abu Dhabi and chaired by Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a prominent member of the ruling royal family and the UAE’s national security adviser. Analysts suggest that this move aligns with the Biden administration’s strategy to counter Chinese influence in the region, positioning G42 firmly within the US sphere of influence.

“I think the UAE and the US really see eye to eye on advancing these technologies,” Al Olama emphasized in a recent CNN interview. “We anticipate deeper alignment moving forward.”

G42, a holding firm, encompasses seven companies that span various sectors, including data centers, energy, healthcare, surveillance, and biotechnology. As one of the world’s leading oil producers, Abu Dhabi views AI as pivotal for diversifying away from fossil fuels. A PwC Middle East report forecasts that AI could contribute $96 billion to the UAE economy by 2030, accounting for nearly 14% of its GDP.

“We aim to remain at the forefront of technology by collaborating with global partners,” Al Olama stated. “Our focus is on adhering to market leader standards.”

Al Olama’s ministerial portfolio spans the digital economy and remote work applications, underscoring his vision to position the UAE as a global AI leader by 2031. This vision is being realized through various strategic initiatives and partnerships, positioning the UAE as a key player in the global AI landscape.

Washington has tightened controls on advanced US chip sales to prevent Middle Eastern nations from serving as gateways for Chinese access to the latest AI technologies, according to Reuters. This move reflects concerns over potential espionage risks and underscores the geopolitical dimensions of AI development.

Despite these concerns, Al Olama assures the UAE’s commitment to being a trustworthy partner. “I believe the risk is minimal, especially with cutting-edge American technology present in the UAE,” he asserted, speaking in his personal capacity.

Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute unveiled Falcon10B, a leading language model that outperforms offerings from tech giants like Google and Meta in certain metrics. “The UAE is staking its claim in the AI race with Falcon,” commented James Lewis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington DC-based think tank.

In collaboration with Silicon Valley’s Cerebras Systems and Inception, a subsidiary of G42, Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence introduced Jais, an open-source generative AI model designed for Arabic and English languages. This initiative aims to support AI development globally, particularly in languages that are underrepresented in mainstream AI research.

Analysts highlight the UAE’s significant oil wealth as pivotal for investing in the extensive infrastructure required for AI development. “It’s a financial advantage,” noted Lewis. “They’re positioning themselves as a leading tech power.”

Amid growing concerns about the potential risks of AI, Al Olama advocates for a global coalition to regulate AI development and usage. He cites specific worries about deepfakes and the creation of biotech weapons. “We need guardrails to prevent potential crises,” he emphasized.

The stakes are high. A report commissioned by the US State Department warned that the most advanced AI systems could, in a worst-case scenario, pose an extinction-level threat to humanity.

Despite these daunting challenges, Al Olama remains optimistic. “We want to ensure that we are at the frontier of technology,” he said. “And that’s why we work with partners around the world and play by the rules set by market leaders.”

The UAE’s AI ambitions are part of a broader strategy to enhance its global standing and economic diversification. The nation’s investments in AI and technology reflect its vision of becoming a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The UAE delegation’s participation in the 10th SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington DC underscored this commitment. Minister Al Olama, accompanied by Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States, led a high-level delegation to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations with the US. The delegation included key officials such as Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al Hawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy for Foreign Trade Affairs, and Saud H. Al Nowais, UAE Commercial Attache (Counselor) for the UAE Embassy.

Representatives from leading government and private sector entities, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Mubadala, EDGE Group, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), LuLu Group International, and Emirates Aluminum, also formed part of the delegation.

Addressing a session organized by the UAE-US Business Council, Minister Al Olama highlighted the enduring strength of the UAE-US alliance and their shared objectives of economic diversification and partnership. He showcased the UAE’s dynamic business environment, which currently hosts over 1,500 US companies, underscoring its role in fostering bilateral economic growth and innovation.

As the UAE advances its AI agenda, Al Olama remains committed to navigating the complex landscape of global AI governance and technological advancement. “Our visit to the US is a reflection of our commitment to finding new avenues of cooperation and building partnerships at both public and private sector levels,” he said.

The UAE’s AI strategy is a testament to its vision of becoming a leading global player in technology and innovation, ensuring its economic sustainability and competitiveness in the future.