The UAE is not only building artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives in the country, but also expanding this sector to miles apart. In the G20 meeting, the UAE government announced a $1 billion initiative to expand AI infrastructure across African countries.
“AI for development initiative” by the UAE
The AI expansion venture, known as the “AI for development initiative,” will bring AI infrastructure and services to niches such as education, healthcare, and climate adaptation. This will help Africa boost various sectors with AI integration worth $1 billion.
“We consider AI not just as a future industry but a cornerstone of humanity’s future,” said UAE Minister of State Saeed Al Hajeri in an official statement.
The government also aims to promote inclusive development, where AI technologies are integrated in different sectors, regardless of groups in society.
UAE is polishing its future with AI initiatives
The UAE’s AI initiative comes amid its plan to invest up to $50 billion in Canada, including projects in the AI and energy sectors.
Several reports have indicated that the UAE stands in the second position in terms of global AI growth, just behind the US. Moreover, its AI realm is instantly growing with new ventures and partnerships, which other countries find slightly challenging.
Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE, has shown a 61% growth in the AI sector between June 2023 and 2024. Also, in 2025, this land saw 150 new AI companies amid its plans to become the world’s first AI-native government by 2027. Moreover, the government is investing in AI, aiming to build one of the largest data center hubs by integrating US technology.
According to the Digital Dubai Authority, Middle East countries are expected to generate $320 billion in value through AI incubation. This would make the UAE generate 14% of its GDP from AI-driven growth.
