Abu Dhabi [UAE], April 27 (ANI/WAM): The United Arab Emirates has firmly established itself as a global leader in digital infrastructure development and artificial intelligence (AI) integration across both government and private sectors, propelled by groundbreaking initiatives and significant investments in technology and human capital.
In 2017, the United Arab Emirates government launched the ambitious “UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence,” designed to enhance government efficiency, foster a robust digital ecosystem, and position the country among the world’s top AI investors by 2031. The strategy prioritizes key sectors such as transportation, renewable energy, education, health, and environmental sustainability.
As a result of this visionary approach, the UAE has emerged as a global frontrunner in AI and blockchain adoption. Notably, the country has led the world for nine consecutive years in fibre-to-the-home network coverage, reaching 99.5 percent of its total area. Further underscoring its technological leadership, the UAE ranked first globally for mobile speeds and second for fixed broadband speeds in March 2025, according to Ookla reports, demonstrating the strength and reliability of its digital infrastructure.
AI integration has significantly enhanced government services, with many restructured through intelligent technologies, leading to improved customer experiences and elevated service quality. The UAE’s efforts earned it the top position on the Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII) in the United Nations E-Government Survey 2024, a testament to its strategic use of AI to drive sustainable development.
Regionally, the UAE secured the first spot in the “Government AI Readiness Index” by Oxford Insights, excelling in government efficiency, technology sector advancement, and the availability of robust data and digital infrastructure. This comprehensive approach firmly reinforces the UAE’s leadership role in shaping a future where AI is deeply embedded in both public and private sector operations.
The InterRegional for Strategic Analysis reported that AI job growth in the UAE is outpacing other sectors, with AI-related roles expanding at an impressive rate of 74 percent annually, according to LinkedIn data.
Industry leaders have lauded the UAE’s achievements. Rob Van Dale, Partner and Digital Transformation Leader at Kearney for the Middle East and Africa, noted that the UAE has effectively integrated AI as an “operating system,” reshaping both public and private sectors. He highlighted how private enterprises have responded with billions in investments aligned with government AI initiatives.
Faisal Hamady, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group, emphasized that the UAE has moved from the phase of AI adoption to full-scale implementation, driven by a government-led strategy that sets a benchmark for the region and beyond.
Ahmad Jamal, Regional Director of Artificial Intelligence Solutions at NVIDIA, pointed out that the UAE has not only invested heavily in AI infrastructure but has also begun realizing tangible returns on these investments, standing among the first nations to adopt a comprehensive AI strategy.
Hitendra Patel, Founder and CEO of the Global Innovation Management Institute, praised the UAE’s rapid and extensive AI adoption, stating that the country’s success sets a global standard and positions it as a leader in the evolving digital future. (ANI/WAM)
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