Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised for remarkable growth, potentially surpassing even the oil industry in the Middle East. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is leading this charge, having launched a national AI strategy in 2017 aimed at establishing the nation as a global AI hub by 2031. This comprehensive plan emphasizes the integration of AI across various sectors, including healthcare—where it seeks to enhance diagnostics—transportation, with a focus on developing autonomous vehicles, and education, aimed at creating customized learning experiences for students.
To reinforce these efforts, the UAE's leadership has enacted legislation to form the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC). This council is tasked with developing and implementing strategies and policies to foster research, infrastructure, and investment in AI and advanced technologies. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives raises important questions about infrastructure preparedness and the cultivation of a skilled workforce necessary to sustain this rapid expansion.
**A Learning Approach in MENA**
The Middle East has often adopted a “follow the leader” approach to technological advancements, according to Pawel Satalecki, managing director of MENA at the consulting firm Avenga. He observes that while the region excels at implementing and adapting innovations sourced from places like the United States, it struggles to generate groundbreaking AI technologies independently. This is particularly evident in the realms of proprietary machine learning (ML) adoption and the excitement surrounding AI tools, including generative models such as ChatGPT.
While the ecosystem and infrastructure in the MENA region are maturing, they remain insufficiently developed to deliver truly innovative AI solutions that could astonish the global community. Nevertheless, the UAE is rapidly advancing its AI capabilities, notably through initiatives like the ATRC's Falcon Gen AI and AI71, which provides access to local corporate data for developing AI models in sectors such as healthcare, oil and gas, and aviation. The UAE has also introduced a leading open-source foundational model called Falcon and continues to innovate in this space.
In education, UAE schools aim to integrate AI and machine learning by introducing AI-generated tutors into classrooms. Although teachers will continue to play a central role, these AI chatbots, akin to those developed by ChatGPT or Google Bard, are expected to enhance the learning experience.
**Challenges and Opportunities Ahead**
Despite positive strides, the Middle East’s foray into AI has spurred both enthusiasm and skepticism. The region’s ambitious AI initiatives face significant challenges, particularly concerning their sustainability and inclusivity. Satalecki emphasizes that while there is substantial potential for the region to excel in AI, careful planning and the integration of external expertise will be crucial for fostering local capacity.
**Regional Innovations and Aspirations**
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 prominently features AI as a cornerstone for diversifying its oil-dependent economy. The kingdom is investing significantly in smart city projects and AI-powered innovations in healthcare. However, concerns linger regarding the sufficiency of regulatory frameworks and the potential for AI to exacerbate existing social inequalities. It’s imperative that these technologies benefit all segments of society rather than leaving certain populations behind.
Israel stands out as a technological leader in AI, particularly noted for its advancements in cybersecurity and healthcare applications. The proliferation of innovative AI startups, including industry leaders like Pinecone and AI21, exemplifies this progress. As these organizations forge ahead, the need for oversight to address ethical issues, such as data privacy and algorithmic bias, becomes increasingly urgent.
In Qatar, initiatives led by the Qatar Computing Research Institute underscore the country’s dedication to AI research and education. While commendable, these efforts reveal a broader challenge within the region: bridging the gap between research outputs and practical, broad-based applications of AI. There is a tangible risk that such innovations may remain confined to academic circles without impacting society at large.
**Navigating Talent Shortages**
A significant barrier to progression in the region is the scarcity of skilled IT professionals. Satalecki highlights that countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are overcoming this talent gap by forging partnerships with Western companies to accelerate learning and development. As Middle Eastern nations increasingly adopt AI in their enterprises, established firms like Saudi Aramco and various banks are stepping up to enhance their technological capabilities, armed with adequate financial backing.
However, many organizations find it beneficial to collaborate with seasoned service providers to effectively navigate the competitive landscape, especially given the shortage of local high-qualified IT talent. By doing so, these companies position themselves to capitalize on the transformative power of AI and contribute to the region's burgeoning technological ecosystem.
Ranking
