UAE Ranks Among Top 10 Nations with Highest AI Companies Per Capita
The UAE has secured a position among the top 10 nations globally with the highest number of artificial intelligence (AI) companies per million people, according to the Global AI Competitiveness Index.
The report, developed by the International Finance Forum (IFF) in collaboration with Deep Knowledge Group, analyzed over 55,000 AI companies worldwide to assess AI enterprise density, investment, and development.
Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner of Deep Knowledge Group, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “The UAE’s ranking among the top 10 countries for AI companies per capita demonstrates how targeted investments are creating an ecosystem where AI innovation thrives. This is a blueprint for how nations can transform strategic vision into measurable impact.”
Government Support and Investment in AI
The UAE continues to strengthen its AI sector through strategic policies and financial backing. In 2017, the country became the first to appoint a Minister of State for AI, underscoring its commitment to AI-led transformation. The UAE’s AI Strategy 2031 aims to contribute AED 335 billion (USD 91 billion) to GDP and reduce operational costs by 50% through AI-driven efficiencies.
The government also launched the AED 10 billion (USD 2.7 billion) Dubai Future Accelerator Fund to fuel AI innovation. Business-friendly regulations, including zero personal income tax, further attract AI enterprises and startups.
Developing AI Talent and Research
To solidify its AI leadership, the UAE prioritizes talent acquisition and research. Initiatives such as the Golden Visa program provide 10-year residency for AI professionals, while the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) remains a hub for AI research and education.
Partnerships with top global universities have further strengthened the UAE’s AI research capabilities. With high-value scholarships and funding for AI development, the nation boasts an annual AI talent growth rate of 30%.
Advanced Digital Infrastructure
The UAE’s cutting-edge infrastructure supports AI sector growth. With over 90% 5G network coverage, 97.1% internet penetration, and the Middle East’s largest data center cluster, the nation provides an optimal environment for AI development. Additionally, smart city infrastructure allows for real-world AI implementation and testing.
G42: UAE’s Leading AI Success Story
Abu Dhabi-based G42 is at the forefront of AI advancement in the UAE. Specializing in healthcare, finance, and smart city AI solutions, G42 secured a USD 1.5 billion investment from Microsoft in 2024 to establish AI research institutes in Abu Dhabi.
G42’s AI innovation includes Jais, an open-source Arabic AI language model with 30 billion parameters, developed to enhance Arabic-language AI applications. The company, valued at over USD 10 billion, exemplifies the UAE’s AI ambitions.
With strong policies, investments, and infrastructure, the UAE is positioned as a leading global AI hub. The Global AI Competitiveness Index highlights its rapid progress, reinforcing the country’s commitment to AI-driven economic transformation.
