UAE Launches AI Centre of Excellence, Strengthening Regional Talent
Introduction: UAE Sets a New Benchmark in AI Leadership
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a bold step in building a future-ready digital economy with the launch of its first AI Centre of Excellence. This strategic initiative, part of the NextGen FDI programme, is transforming the region’s technology landscape and positioning the UAE as a leader in artificial intelligence-driven innovation.laotiantimes+2
NextGen Vision: Fostering AI Sovereignty and Digital Innovation
National Strategy for Digital Transformation
Launched under the guidance of Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, the AI Centre of Excellence supports the country’s vision to attract the world’s best companies and talents, developing an ecosystem where digital transformation thrives. The Centre partners with global pioneers such as Lakeba Group, University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), DoxAI, and AqlanX to drive innovation and long-term investment in regional AI infrastructure.prnewswire+2
“Through the NextGen FDI Initiative, we are creating a vibrant, dynamic ecosystem that will help us achieve our national vision, attracting the best companies and talents to build their businesses here,” said Dr. Al Zeyoudi. The Centre will serve as a hub for fostering future generations of AI talent and backing the UAE’s ambition to lead in next-gen economy and technology development.finance.yahoo+1
Building Homegrown Talent and Regional Intellectual Property
Skills Development and R&D Leadership
The AI Centre of Excellence is more than a technology hub; it is a catalyst for nurturing local talent, early-stage startups, and creating intellectual property tailored to the UAE’s language, culture, and economic goals. The Centre’s priorities include developing Arabic large language models, automation platforms for industries including energy, healthcare, and education, as well as AI research focused on regional use cases.techedt+1
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Intensive collaboration between universities, startups, and private companies ensures experiential learning and practical R&D.
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Talent incubation and upskilling programmes align with the UAE’s national workforce strategy, driving the shift from technology consumer to technology creator.linkedin
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By developing sovereign AI capabilities, the Centre contributes to national digital security and positions the UAE as a trusted exporter of localized, world-class AI solutions.asiaeducationreview
Strengthening Global Partnerships
The Centre also benefits from UAE-Australia bilateral cooperation and long-standing alliances with major technology players such as Microsoft and Intel. These partnerships empower experiential learning, research leadership, and public-private collaboration, enabling the UAE to compete in the global digital economy.asiaeducationreview
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of AI in the Middle East
With the launch of its AI Centre of Excellence, the UAE is strengthening its regional talent pool and accelerating innovation across key sectors. The initiative is a milestone in developing sovereign digital assets and nurturing a new generation of AI professionals who will lead the country into the future.
As the UAE transitions from importing technology to creating it, this center becomes a pillar of digital sovereignty and a model for regional excellence in artificial intelligence.samenacouncil+4
9 comments
Thanks for sharing
good night 😴
Rich country like UAE has no problem for preparing for future “Digital Economy”.
AI everywhere
All right.
Thanks.
Thanks🌼
Done
Good night.