The UAE’s AI Moment: What we’re seeing on the ground at GITEX Global
The view from Dubai
Walking the floors at GITEX Global this week, it’s hard to miss how far the UAE has come in turning its digital ambitions into reality. Conversations once centered on “what’s possible” are now about “what’s scaling.” Cloud migration, AI deployment, cybersecurity resilience, and data center buildouts are no longer goals for the future but are already underway across government, energy, logistics, and finance.
The ambition of the country’s AI strategy is striking. The federal Digital Economy Strategy targets more than 20 percent of non-oil GDP from digital activity by 2031. Meanwhile Abu Dhabi’s Digital Strategy 2025–2027 commits to full government cloud adoption, and Dubai’s D33 aims to generate AED 100 billion annually from digital transformation. Together, they show how technology has become a national economic driver, not a side initiative.
Policy momentum is matched by institutional scale. The UAE Artificial Intelligence Office, Cyber Security Council, and entities such as the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, G42, and Core42 are shaping a distinctive model: government-led but commercially open frameworks focused on pragmatic regulation and partnership. The recent Nvidia GPU export approval underscored how Washington now views the UAE as a “trusted” AI hub, even as Abu Dhabi keeps channels open with China through Belt and Road-linked investment. That balancing act defines much of what’s happening behind the scenes.
You can feel the shift toward skills and governance. Emirati officials, universities, and tech firms are talking less about pilots and more about people, prioritizing how to train the next generation of AI talent, integrate automation responsibly, and manage data locally. This “whole-of-nation” approach is what sets the UAE apart: It’s blending infrastructure, policy, and human capital in real time.
GITEX captures exactly what we’re seeing across the region, with economies moving from experimentation to infrastructure. For companies looking to engage, this is the place to do it.
Considerations for companies
Position with purpose. The UAE rewards firms that position themselves as partners in achieving national priorities, from AI adoption to digital-skills training, rather than short-term market plays.
Partner locally. Collaboration with national champions such as G42, Core42, Presight, and Khazna, can provide both market access and credibility.
Invest in people. The government is encouraging companies to train Emirati nationals to contribute to the digital economy, and accordingly, programs that train or mentor local professionals are seen as long-term commitments.
Monitor policy. New AI governance will shape how companies handle data and cross-border transfers, and companies should keep an eye on how the UAE continues to balance its technology partnerships with both the U.S. and China.
Engage visibly. Events such as GITEX Global and the World Government Summit are now policy-shaping platforms. Active participation signals commitment and keeps firms plugged into the conversation.
About DGA Group
DGA Group is a global advisory firm that helps clients protect – and grow – what they have built in today’s complex business environment. We understand the challenges and opportunities in an increasingly regulated and interconnected world. Leveraging the expertise and experience of our team at Albright Stonebridge Group, a leader in global strategy and commercial diplomacy, and a deep bench of communications, public affairs, government relations and business intelligence consultants, we help clients navigate and shape global policy, reputational and financial issues. To learn more, visit dgagroup.com.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a follow-up, our experts would be delighted to speak with you. Please contact Michael.Bessey@dgagroup.com and Juliana.Rordorf@dgagroup.com.