As 2025 comes to a close, the UAE marks a year of significant technological progress, driven by its ambitious AI agenda and widespread adoption of AI-powered solutions.
Global Recognition in AI Preparedness
International assessments consistently highlight the UAE as a leading AI adopter, particularly in government operations. The Oxford Insights’ Government AI Readiness Index 2024 ranked the UAE first in the region and 13th globally, while Microsoft’s analysis showed that nearly 60% of the working-age population is actively using AI tools.
This progress is underpinned by the nation’s strong digital infrastructure. The UAE has maintained world-leading fibre-to-the-home coverage for nine consecutive years, reaching 99.5%, and in March 2025, it ranked first globally for mobile speeds and second for fixed broadband speeds. AI integration in public services is increasingly evident, with automation and data-driven decision-making becoming central to operations.
The UAE also topped the UN Telecommunication Infrastructure Index in the 2024 E-Government Survey. Reflecting this shift, LinkedIn data indicates AI-related roles are growing by 74% annually, outpacing all other sectors.
Scaling AI Across Government and Beyond
2025 was marked by strategic moves to embed AI at scale. The launch of the Artificial Intelligence Readiness Index for Federal Entities assessed the preparedness of federal bodies, revealing a 97% usage rate of AI tools across government operations.
Beyond its borders, the UAE introduced the $1 billion “AI for Development” initiative, supporting AI-driven projects and digital infrastructure across African nations, linking innovation with global development goals.
At the emirate level, Abu Dhabi is advancing its Digital Government Strategy 2025-2027 to expand AI integration across public services. This strategy emphasizes scaling AI use cases, enhancing data and digital infrastructure, and upskilling the workforce to ensure AI becomes embedded in service delivery. Key objectives include achieving full adoption of sovereign cloud computing for government operations and digitizing and automating all processes.
AI for Culture and Skills Development
The UAE has also positioned AI as a tool to preserve national culture. The country launched “AI in the Ring,” the world’s first benchmark assessing how AI models reflect Emirati culture and values, with Google Gemini emerging as the top-performing model.
Skills development has expanded alongside these initiatives. During UAE Codes 2025, the government’s AI office partnered with Google to launch “AI for All,” offering training for students, professionals, creators, and SMEs through 2026. Abu Dhabi also introduced an AI Ecosystem for Global Agricultural Development, supporting climate-affected farming communities through practical AI tools.
Infrastructure, Research, and Innovation
2025 saw major announcements in AI infrastructure and research. These included a 5-gigawatt UAE–US AI Campus in Abu Dhabi, the largest supercomputing cluster outside the US, and a UAE-France AI framework featuring a 1-gigawatt data centre and collaboration in semiconductors, energy, and research.
Technical breakthroughs also marked the year, such as the debut of Jais 2, a large Arabic-first language model, and K2 Think, an open-source reasoning system developed by MBZUAI and G42. To foster innovation, the UAE launched the second edition of the UAE Artificial Intelligence Award, promoting stronger AI implementation in both public and private sectors.
These advancements were showcased through a busy public calendar, turning strategy into a tangible ecosystem. Notable events included UAE Coding Day (UAE Codes 2025), GITEX Global 2025, Envision 2025, Dubai AI Week 2025, and Global AI Show Abu Dhabi 2025.
Saad Farooq brings a blend of engineering prowess and a passion for writing to technewsme.com. As a tech engineer based in the vibrant tech landscape of the UAE, Saad has immersed himself in the latest technological advancements, making him an invaluable asset to our team. His deep understanding of tech intricacies comes from hands-on experience in the field, coupled with a genuine love for all things tech.
In his role at technewsme.com, Saad specializes in demystifying complex tech subjects, making them accessible and engaging for our readers. His articles are a reflection of his life in the UAE, a hub of technological innovation, offering a unique perspective on global tech trends and local developments. Whether it’s exploring new tech gadgets, delving into software innovations, or analyzing tech market trends, Saad’s writing is fueled by his extensive engineering background and his enthusiasm for sharing knowledge. Join him on a journey of discovery and insight into the world of technology, right from the heart of the UAE.
