By Gulf Times Now ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a landmark $10 billion artificial intelligence investment fund, marking one of the most ambitious technology commitments in the region’s history and signaling the Emirates’ determination to lead the global AI revolution.
The fund, announced during a high-level government summit in Abu Dhabi, will deploy capital across domestic AI infrastructure, international technology partnerships, and a new generation of UAE-based AI companies targeting global markets.
The investment is structured across three strategic pillars: national AI infrastructure including sovereign computing capacity and data centres; AI talent development through university partnerships and a new National AI Academy; and international AI diplomacy, through which the UAE will co-invest in AI ventures with partner nations across Asia, Africa and Europe.
“Artificial intelligence is not a technology trend — it is the foundational infrastructure of 21st century civilisation,” said the UAE Minister of AI in a statement released alongside the fund’s announcement. “The UAE has made its choice: we will be builders, not bystanders.”
The announcement drew immediate reactions from global technology leaders. Several major Silicon Valley firms confirmed they are in advanced discussions to establish regional AI research centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai as part of the initiative, with combined investments expected to exceed an additional $3 billion over five years.
Analysts noted that the UAE’s move positions it ahead of most G20 nations in per-capita AI investment, reinforcing its long-held ambition to be a first-mover in emerging technology sectors.
The fund is expected to make its first tranche of investments within 90 days, with initial focus on healthcare AI, smart city infrastructure, and financial technology.