The United Arab Emirates is solidifying its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence with the launch of a new Artificial Intelligence Readiness Index and innovative cultural alignment tests. Announced by Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Omar Sultan Al Olama during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2025 in Abu Dhabi, these initiatives mark a significant shift from simply adopting AI to effectively leveraging and integrating it across government operations.
Assessing AI Preparedness: The New Readiness Index
The core of this strategy is the Artificial Intelligence Readiness Index. This index aims to evaluate the preparedness of federal entities to excel in the age of AI. Rather than just measuring adoption rates, it will assess organizations’ capabilities to successfully implement and utilize AI technologies within their daily operations. This systematic evaluation will be crucial for informing future policy decisions and guiding the UAE’s ongoing digital transformation.
AI’s Potential for Economic Transformation
Minister Al Olama highlighted the transformative economic potential of AI, stating that it could multiply the productivity of every Emirati citizen by a remarkable one hundred times. This equates to boosting the UAE’s productive capacity to that of a nation of 100 million people. He emphasized that the new global landscape will be defined by intelligence rather than size or speed. This underscores the UAE’s commitment to investing in and developing AI capabilities to remain competitive on a global scale.
Demonstrating AI Adoption and Progress
Current data reveals that the UAE has already achieved an impressive 97% utilization rate of AI tools across its federal government entities. This signifies a proactive and agile approach to adopting advanced technologies, further enhancing the nation’s standing as a leader in governmental AI implementation. A session during the Government Annual Meetings brought together chief AI officers from across these entities, fostering knowledge sharing and coordination in the rapidly evolving AI domain.
Ensuring Cultural Alignment: “AI in the Ring”
Beyond the Readiness Index, Minister Al Olama unveiled “AI in the Ring,” a world-first initiative to assess the cultural alignment of AI models. This unique test assesses how platforms like ChatGPT, Grok, and Gemini align with local cultural values, using 250 prompts centered on UAE history, culture, and societal norms. This demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to AI deployment, acknowledging the importance of ensuring that AI systems are not only technologically advanced but also culturally sensitive and aligned with societal values.
Broader AI Landscape in the UAE: Adoption and Talent
The UAE’s progress in AI extends beyond these recent announcements. * Currently, 58% of the UAE population has adopted AI tools, the highest globally*. Moreover, the nation has significantly surpassed its goal of 300,000 coders, reaching a remarkable 450,000, demonstrating a commitment to building a robust AI talent pool.
The combination of the AI Readiness Index and “AI in the Ring” showcases the UAE’s commitment to becoming a responsible and innovative leader in the age of artificial intelligence, ensuring technological advancement is integrated with cultural sensitivity and societal well-being.
The UAE’s proactive measures signify a shift towards responsible AI leadership, focusing on both technological advancement and cultural relevance. These initiatives position the nation as a key player in shaping the future of AI globally.
