The United Arab Emirates has established itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence, securing the second position worldwide in AI capabilities, trailing only behind the United States.
This noteworthy ranking is based on a 2025 report from the U.S.-based organization “TRG Data Centers,” which highlighted the significant advancements the UAE has made in this critical sector.
The extensive analysis conducted by the organization focused on several key criteria, including the national supercomputing power dedicated to AI, the activity levels of AI companies, and the government’s readiness to integrate these technologies into its framework.
Impressive Computing Power
The report revealed that the UAE possesses remarkable computing power equivalent to 23.1 million advanced “H100” chips, supported by more than 188,000 state-of-the-art AI chips and a total energy capacity of 6,400 megawatts.
This substantial infrastructure reflects the nation’s commitment to building a robust and comprehensive AI ecosystem, further emphasized by a high score of 70 points in the AI readiness index.
This global ascent is a result of a well-thought-out national strategy aimed at positioning the UAE as a world leader in AI, with the goal of making AI a significant contributor to the post-oil economy. This strategy is backed by significant financial commitments, including the establishment of “MGX,” an investment fund specializing in AI, expected to manage assets worth up to $100 billion.
Additionally, the UAE has demonstrated its commitment to advancing AI on the international stage through the “AI for Development” initiative, which allocates $1 billion to enhance AI infrastructure and services across the African continent.
This strategic push towards AI is a cornerstone of the UAE’s economic diversification strategy, as the country actively seeks to lessen its dependence on oil and gas, viewing AI as a critical driver for future growth.
Contributions to the National Economy
Forecasts suggest that AI could contribute approximately $96 billion to the UAE’s GDP by 2030, accounting for around 14% of the national economy. This transition is expected to create new industries and high-value jobs, further solidifying the UAE’s status as a leading knowledge-based economy.
Besides economic benefits, the UAE leverages its expertise in AI to expand its global influence and soft power, forming strategic partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft, Nvidia, and OpenAI, while also developing its open-source AI models such as the Falcon series.
This open approach aims to accelerate scientific progress and ensure widespread sharing of the benefits of this technology, positioning the UAE as a global tech hub capable of shaping the future of the digital revolution for years to come.