The number of AI specialists in the UAE has increased by approximately 40 percent since 2022, said Dr. Akram Awad, managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
“This growth is exceptional compared to other countries competing in this sector, especially given the global race for digital talent,” he said in statements to WAM on the sidelines of the second day of the ‘Ai Everything Global’ at Dubai Exhibition Center, Expo City.
Awad explained that the UAE has become a strong competitor in the field of AI after establishing an advanced digital infrastructure and developing a supportive legislative and investment environment.
Most attractive country for AI specialists
“The UAE has successfully built a solid foundation that can be leveraged in the coming years—not only to enhance its leadership position but also to transform into a global leader by exporting technology and building a vast base of AI-specialized talent capable of serving local, regional, and international needs,” he added.
He noted that the UAE is now one of the most attractive countries for AI specialists and is effectively retaining top talent. The UAE has successfully attracted these experts due to several key factors, including offering outstanding job opportunities, a high quality of life and a flexible environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
Digital economy to reach 20 percent of GDP by 2031
The UAE continues to lead digital transformation in the Middle East region, supported by the transformative power of AI, which has become evident across a wide range of economic sectors. This transformation contributes to strengthening its economic growth and prosperity while solidifying its leading position in technology.
Recent data indicate that the UAE has become one of the active and pioneering countries in innovating technology and AI-based solutions, as well as developing a nurturing, stimulating and supportive environment for accelerating digital transformation. Through these efforts, the UAE aims to increase the contribution of the digital economy to the GDP to 20 percent by 2031.
The UAE’s tech industry is on track to achieve unprecedented growth in 2025, fueled by remarkable advancements in digital innovation and the embrace of state-of-the-art technologies. This surge in growth further cements the UAE’s reputation as a global center for innovation and a prominent hub for technology firms.
Read: e& UAE completes phase one of private AI cloud deployment
Tech services market to hit $3.8 billion by 2025
A recent report by Statista projects that revenues from the technology services market in the UAE will rise by approximately $3.8 billion by 2025.
The findings of the report highlight that this anticipated growth showcases the UAE’s ongoing advancement in developing its tech sector and increasing dependence on digital services. Additionally, it forecasts a steady annual growth rate of 6.24 percent from 2025 to 2029, which will elevate the market size to $4.79 billion by the conclusion of the forecast period.
