UAE and Cyprus Strengthen Digital Transformation and AI Cooperation at WGS 2025
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Cyprus have solidified their commitment to fostering innovation by entering a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI). Announced at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025, the agreement seeks to enhance collaboration in AI-driven sectors, facilitate knowledge exchange, and drive economic growth while improving societal well-being.
The partnership agreement was formally signed by Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Vice Chair of the World Governments Summit, alongside Dr. Nikodimos Damianou, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus. The initiative underscores both nations’ shared vision of leveraging technology to boost economic development and digital innovation.
Advancing AI Research and Development
A key component of the partnership is the facilitation of joint research projects in artificial intelligence. Speaking about the agreement, Al Olama highlighted the UAE’s continued commitment to fostering international collaboration and accelerating digital transformation. He emphasized that the WGS serves as a global platform for building meaningful partnerships that contribute to knowledge exchange, promote digital advancements, and lay the foundation for a future driven by AI.
Furthermore, Al Olama noted that the UAE’s position as a leader in AI innovation is strengthened by such strategic agreements, which aim to accelerate development and support long-term sustainable growth in technology. These collaborations, he added, are crucial for bridging the gap between research and real-world AI applications, thereby ensuring that advancements in artificial intelligence contribute to global progress.
Enhancing Talent and AI Capabilities
Dr. Nikodimos Damianou echoed these sentiments, stating that the partnership between the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office and Cyprus’ Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy is designed to cultivate AI talent and enhance capabilities in the sector. The agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices in AI policies and technologies while promoting joint academic and industrial research efforts.
He further explained that the collaboration would involve universities, research institutions, and key stakeholders from both nations, fostering a knowledge-driven ecosystem. By establishing frameworks for research and development, the initiative is expected to accelerate innovation and drive advancements in AI-related products and services.
“The partnership agreement seeks to foster collaborative planning and facilitate cooperation among leading academic institutions and research organizations focused on artificial intelligence,” Damianou stated. “Through this initiative, we aim to advance AI research, policy-making, and implementation to create sustainable economic and technological growth.”
Strengthening Bilateral Ties in Key Sectors
The partnership is built upon a long-standing relationship between the UAE and Cyprus, which dates back to the 1960s. Over the years, the two nations have deepened their ties across various sectors, including economy, trade, investment, and energy. This latest agreement further cements their commitment to driving progress through technology and innovation.
In September 2024, the leaders of the UAE and Cyprus met in Abu Dhabi to explore further opportunities for strategic cooperation, particularly in economic and developmental fields. The discussions centered on strengthening relations and enhancing joint efforts to foster investment, trade, and digital transformation.
According to statistics from the UAE Ministry of Economy, the total trade volume between the UAE and Cyprus in 2018 reached $121 million. Direct trade accounted for $65.7 million, while Free Zone trade contributed $55.3 million. Non-oil trade growth also showed promising figures, with imports valued at $28.6 million, non-oil exports at $27.5 million, and re-exports amounting to $65 million. The total balance of non-oil trade between the two countries stood at approximately $64 million, underscoring the importance of economic collaboration between the two nations.
Future Prospects and Global Implications
The UAE and Cyprus’ strategic partnership comes at a time when AI is playing an increasingly vital role in global digital economies. With the UAE emerging as a hub for AI and technological innovation, and Cyprus enhancing its focus on digital policy, the partnership is expected to yield significant advancements in AI research and development.
Through this collaboration, both nations seek to establish a framework that not only advances AI capabilities but also creates new opportunities for businesses, research institutions, and policymakers to work together on transformative initiatives. The agreement aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence while also positioning Cyprus as a key player in the evolving digital landscape.
As AI continues to shape industries and redefine economies, partnerships like this serve as critical catalysts for innovation and progress. With a focus on talent development, research collaboration, and policy exchange, the UAE and Cyprus are well-positioned to drive meaningful advancements in artificial intelligence, ensuring long-term economic growth and technological leadership on a global scale.UAE
