In the United Arab Emirates, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a strategic cornerstone to diversify the economy and enhance technological competitiveness. The country, the first to establish a Ministry of AI in 2017, aims to become a global leader in this field by 2031. This article explores the key initiatives, developed models, and the economic and cultural implications of this ambitious project.
Innovation and Strategy-Driven Context
In the UAE, AI is seen as a way to reduce reliance on oil and generate a technology-driven economy. The country aims to contribute up to 20% of its GDP through AI by 2030, according to the UAE Ministry of AI. This strategy includes integrating AI into key sectors such as transportation, healthcare, space exploration, renewable energy, water, education, and the environment.
Innovative Language Models: Falcon 2 and Jais
The United Arab Emirates has developed several advanced language models, notably the Falcon 2 series and the Jais model. The Falcon 2 series, launched by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), includes multilingual and multimodal models capable of outperforming models like Meta’s Llama 3. The Jais model, designed for the Arabic language, primarily targets an Arabic-speaking audience and offers advanced comprehension of modern Arabic and local dialects.
Challenges and Opportunities: Economic and Cultural Transformations
AI adoption in the UAE is also driven by the need to diversify the economy and gain independence from global technological powers. The country is heavily investing in acquiring specialized hardware, such as Nvidia chips, and building foundations to promote the development of open source generative AI. This approach allows for the creation of products that are better tailored to local needs and strengthens economic resilience.
In essence, the development of generative AI models in the UAE marks a crucial step in the country’s strategy to become a technological leader. These initiatives not only enhance economic competitiveness but also contribute to the country’s diversification and resilience. The Falcon 2 and Jais models are concrete examples of this ambition, showcasing the UAE’s ability to innovate and establish itself on the international AI scene.
