The UAE has emerged as a global leader in AI talent, ranking among the top 20 nations in the latest Global AI Competitiveness Index. With strategic investments, advanced research institutions like MBZUAI, and strong global partnerships, the nation aims to boost AI’s contribution to GDP to 14% by 2030—over $100 billion in economic output.
The UAE has secured a leading position in the latest Global AI Competitiveness Index, ranking among the top 20 nations worldwide for AI talent density. Surpassing countries like Italy and Russia, the UAE now accounts for 0.7% of the global AI talent pool, marking a major milestone in its journey toward becoming a global innovation hub.
The International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group (DKG), co-publishers of the report, highlighted the UAE’s rise as a result of strategic long-term investments, progressive policymaking, and international partnerships. The country’s commitment to developing AI capabilities has quietly gained momentum, even as neighboring Saudi Arabia has taken a more high-profile approach.
Central to the UAE’s success is its Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, launched to integrate AI across key sectors including healthcare, education, space, and transportation. In 2017, it became the first nation to appoint a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, signaling its serious commitment to the technology.
A cornerstone of its AI push is the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), which ranks among the world’s top 50 institutions for AI research output. Partnering with global tech giants like IBM, NVIDIA, and BCG, MBZUAI is fostering breakthroughs in machine learning, robotics, and AI ethics. “The UAE’s ecosystem is built not just on infrastructure, but on a vision of ethical AI, global cooperation, and innovation,” said Dr. Eric Xing, President of MBZUAI.
The IFF report also ranks the UAE high in per capita AI talent and research productivity, attributing this to its attractive business environment, tax-free salaries, and high quality of life. These conditions continue to draw top-tier engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs from across the globe.
The UAE aims to increase AI’s contribution to GDP by up to 14% by 2030 — equivalent to more than $100 billion in economic output, according to the Ministry of Economy. Key growth areas include logistics, fintech, smart cities, and government services, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi leading AI implementation.
Initiatives such as the Dubai AI Roadmap and Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 accelerator have turned the UAE into one of the region’s fastest-growing AI startup ecosystems. AI-focused startups raised over $1.3 billion in venture capital in 2024, with 2025 projections indicating a 25% increase in funding.
While Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in infrastructure-led AI megaprojects like NEOM, the UAE’s strength lies in agile policy innovation and ecosystem-building. “This dual approach is making the Gulf region a rising global AI corridor,” said Dmitry Kaminskiy, co-author of the IFF report.
With initiatives like the National Program for Coders, special visas for AI professionals, and the creation of cutting-edge research labs, the UAE is positioning itself as a top destination for global AI talent. As Professor Patrick Glauner of IFF noted, “The UAE offers a unique mix of talent development, governance, and global accessibility — making it a true AI magnet.”
