Middle East Embraces AI Revolution with UAE Leading the Charge

The Middle East is rapidly embracing artificial intelligence (AI), with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leading the drive. However, a lack of skilled AI workers in the region has raised concerns about their dependence on Western companies.

UAE’s Ambitious AI Strategy

The UAE unveiled their national AI plan in 2017, intending to become a global AI hub by 2031. The strategy includes deploying AI in health care for improved diagnostics, transportation for autonomous vehicles development, and education for tailored learning experiences. The UAE government established the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC) to push this agenda forward. However, questions persist about these applications’ real-world efficacy and the country’s ability to nurture a skilled workforce to sustain this growth.

AI Adoption in the MENA Region

Pawel Satalecki, the managing director of MENA (Middle East, North Africa) at consulting firm Avenga, believes that the region tends to follow proven technological trends rather than pioneering them. However, the UAE government has been proactive in adopting AI technology, focusing on ATRC’s Falcon Gen AI. Their latest initiative, AI71, provides access to local companies’ private data, allowing for the development of AI models using detailed industry-specific data.

AI in Education

UAE schools plan to integrate AI and machine learning technology, with a focus on introducing AI-generated tutors into classrooms. The ministry aims to revolutionize education by employing AI chatbot tutors, using technology akin to ChatGPT or Google Bard. However, the Middle East’s AI journey is fraught with challenges that question the sustainability and inclusivity of this tech revolution.

AI Developments Across the Region

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy positions AI as pivotal in diversifying its petroleum-reliant economy, with significant investments in smart city initiatives and avant-garde AI-driven health care innovations.

Israel, renowned for its tech prowess, excels in AI, especially in cybersecurity and health care. Israeli startups are at the forefront of AI innovation, raising questions about adequate oversight to address ethical considerations such as data privacy and algorithmic bias.

Qatar is focusing on AI research and education, but this underscores a regional issue: the gap between research and the practical, widespread application of AI. This disconnect risks these innovations remaining confined to academic and research settings without significant societal impact.

Overcoming Challenges

To overcome these challenges, Middle Eastern countries are expediting AI adoption in the enterprise sector. Saudi Aramco and many banks and financial institutions have the plans and financial capacities to keep pace with the U.S. However, due to the lack of local high-qualified IT talent, partnerships with experienced service providers are often recommended.