Ever since Klaus Schwab, the chairman and founder of the World Economic Forum coined the term the Intelligent Age it has become one of the most widely discussed topics of 2025.
The Intelligent Age refers to the giant advances made in intelligent technologies in the 21st century where many pockets of society now have access to vast powerful technologies. The term is undoubtedly profound because it makes us contemplate the ramifications of these technologies, both good and bad.
It also reminds me of the sentiments expressed in John F Kennedy’s inaugural address, which was delivered this week 64 years ago, yet still resonates to this very day. “The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.”
Just like it was in the 1960s, the onus is on the world today to fully understand the full might of the technologies that we now have, and to use these in a way that develops rather than divides society. This has also been a key theme at Davos this year which I have been attending as part of the International Holding Company (IHC) delegation.
In many of the panels, talks, and forums I’ve attended, as well as in the discussions I’ve had on the sidelines with other delegates, there is a collective sense that the world must find every way possible to use technological advances to enhance human potential.
And now, more than ever, it is imperative that we develop environmental, social and geopolitical intelligence alongside technological intelligence.
The UAE: A first mover in the Intelligent Age
In many ways the UAE has been a first mover when it comes to the Intelligent Age, it has understood early on the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and blockchain, and how these can transform everything around us.
Moreover, the UAE has a designated Minister for Artificial Intelligence, and the country has also laid out a national roadmap for AI in the ‘UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence’ 2030. There’s also a UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain tasked with proposing policies to create an AI-friendly ecosystem. This signifies the UAE’s technological intent, with the country showing exactly what it takes to embrace the Intelligent Age.
Going further, the UAE is already making progress in ushering in the Intelligent Age. For instance, Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence (AI)-focused fund MGX recently teamed up with US technology firms Oracle and ChatGPT creator OpenAI, and Japan’s Softbank, to form the Stargate project, which aims to invest $500bn to build AI infrastructure in the US. Another major step forward was the release of an Arabic large language model (LLM) to open source by Inception, an Abu Dhabi-based subsidiary of G42.
From an investment and economic perspective, there are several areas that will power the UAE’s intelligent technology ecosystem forward.
It’s important to note, that the UAE benefits from early technological adoption within the government sectors, as well as in the government-owned commercial sector. There are novel opportunities for the trialing of governance, education, and product innovation across these sectors.
A thriving ecosystem for collaboration and innovation
What is clear is that collaboration is key. Whether through public-private partnerships, international alliances, or cross-sector collaboration, the UAE understands that it is not enough to simply invest in technology; it must also foster cooperation with global innovators to ensure that technologies are applied thoughtfully, responsibly and equitably. This approach is partly what is enabling the UAE to drive forward impactful solutions across priority sectors such as energy, renewables, and utilities—industries where intelligent technologies are already making a tangible difference in optimizing energy consumption, reducing waste, and addressing climate challenges.
Add to that, the talent that have been attracted to relocate to the UAE, from world-class engineers and policy experts to finance professionals and visionary entrepreneurs – all creating a diverse ecosystem of talent capable of engineering and reengineering solutions most relevant to the Intelligent Age.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of the Intelligent Age, the UAE’s role as a global hub for innovation offers a powerful example of how a nation can turn technological advancement into a force for good. With forward-thinking leadership, strategic investments, and a collaborative spirit; we have the opportunity to forge a future where technology is a powerful tool for progress, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Samia Bouazza is CEO and managing director of Multiply Group.
