Google Gemini Takes Top Spot in UAE’s ‘AI in the Ring’ Index
The UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office announced that Google Gemini achieved the highest score in the new “AI in the Ring” Index, which evaluates how well language models understand and reflect Emirati culture. The benchmark reviewed more than 400 questions and 5,200 responses across 11 major models. Moreover, a committee of experts examined each output to determine which systems demonstrated the strongest grasp of national identity and cultural nuance.
Following Google Gemini 2.5 Pro, the ranking placed ChatGPT (OpenAI GPT-4o), ChatGPT (OpenAI o1), Cohere, and Grok among the top performers. Additionally, the results underline the UAE’s focus on cultural alignment as AI adoption continues to expand.
National Identity and Technological Responsibility
The index highlights the importance of ensuring that emerging technologies reflect authentic national values and preserve cultural heritage. It also reinforces the principle that technology should grow from a nation’s roots and support identity, cultural awareness, and innovation that aligns with the traditions of the United Arab Emirates.
How the Evaluation Worked
The assessment compared international AI models across seven cultural dimensions, including historical context, creative and poetic expression, Emirati Arabic dialects, cultural symbols, social norms, and ethical considerations. Furthermore, the models were tested through a Human–AI red-teaming approach designed to reveal cultural gaps, risks, or misinterpretations. A custom platform monitored unusual outputs, and reviewers evaluated the responses without knowing which model produced them to ensure fairness.
Although digital transformation accelerates, Arabic content still represents less than 5 percent of global online material. At the same time, 48 percent of Generation Z already relies on AI as a primary information source. Consequently, training models on accurate, UAE-relevant cultural data has become essential for safeguarding national heritage for future generations.
