Artificial intelligence (AI) company registrations in Abu Dhabi saw a remarkable increase of 67 percent between 2021 and 2023. A recent study conducted by the Business & Economics Intelligence Sector at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) revealed this growth, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in the AI industry. Moreover, this surge reflects the emirate’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements for sustainable development.
Abu Dhabi’s vision for AI
The research sheds light on Abu Dhabi’s aspirations to harness the potential of AI systems, applications, and technologies. Hence, this serves humanity and fosters sustainable development across various domains. With a strategic focus on AI investment, the ADCCI aims to enhance the reputation and competitiveness of the private sector. Moreover, it seeks to position Abu Dhabi as the premier business destination in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by 2025 through implementing supportive policies and adopting innovation and digital transformations.
Commenting on this achievement, Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of the ADCCI, said: “It is expected that the sector will contribute an additional $13 trillion to global economic activity by 2030, an increase equivalent to 16 percent in cumulative global GDP compared to the present.”
Government support
Al Qubaisi emphasized that Abu Dhabi’s AI initiatives align with national strategies, including the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and the UAE Centennial Plan 2071. These efforts are guided by the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Increased AI adoption
Al Qubaisi also underscored the Chamber’s commitment to advancing AI adoption. Hence it launched initiatives such as ChamberGPT, an AI-powered platform dedicated to handling business inquiries. He also noted the increasing interest among private sector entities and investors in establishing AI-focused companies.” There is also a surge in the management and operation of AI robotic systems in various business sectors,” he added.
The Abu Dhabi government has also increased the adoption of AI through the launch of the Advanced Technology Research Council in May 2020. This led to the establishment of AI71, an AI company dedicated to enhancing decentralized data control globally. Moreover, the Technological Innovation Institute (TII) was launched to supervise research related to AI, data science, and autonomous robots. Abu Dhabi also launched the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). The university ranked among the 30 most prominent worldwide institutions for AI, computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing.
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Promising outlook
The study affirms that Abu Dhabi’s strategic investments in AI research, innovation, and infrastructure position it as an attractive destination for AI startups, investors, and talent. With its comprehensive approach to integrating AI across various sectors, Abu Dhabi will capitalize on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Moreover, it will emerge as a leading hub for innovation and sustainable development on the global stage.
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