The UAE has positioned itself among leading emerging economies in AI readiness, according to a new report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
The study, GCC AI Pulse: Mapping the Region’s Readiness for an AI-Driven Future, places the UAE in the ‘AI Contender’ category alongside 31 other economies, including Saudi Arabia.
BCG’s 2024 AI Maturity Matrix, presented at the Dubai AI Assembly, categorises economies into four tiers: Emergents, Practitioners, Contenders, and Pioneers.
While other GCC nations such as Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain rank as ‘AI Practitioners’, no Gulf nation has yet achieved the top-tier “Pioneer” status currently held by the US, UK, and China.
UAE’s AI readiness ranked
“The UAE is poised to be a regional leader amongst other global AI Pioneers by capitalising on its established digital infrastructure and formulating strategic initiatives that support AI integration into its economic visions. Key indicators collectively illustrate a forward-thinking approach to AI by the UAE and outline clear pathways for improvement. As entities forge ahead, these insights are key in the drive towards AI maturation,” Dr. Akram Awad, Managing Director and Partner at BCG said.
The UAE’s performance mirrors many benchmarks set by established AI Pioneers, with particular strength in AI governance as demonstrated by the National AI Strategy 2031 and its appointment of the world’s first AI Minister in 2017.
The nation hosts nearly 7,000 AI specialists and has produced approximately 700 AI-related publications.
The report notes that while the UAE exceeds average investment levels within its peer group, further mobilisation of private sector capital would help elevate the country to Pioneer status.
Significant initiatives such as the $100 billion MGX fund demonstrate the UAE’s global ambitions in AI development.
Infrastructure strengths include 35 data centres and the highest public cloud expenditure per employee in the GCC at $228, creating what BCG describes as “a robust foundation for AI technologies and platforms to thrive.”
“Our research findings reveal that advancing private sector engagement and investment, improving R&D outcomes to global innovation levels, and expanding the homegrown AI talent pool, will further solidify the UAE’s position as a global AI leader. These imperatives will accelerate the UAE’s journey towards a clear status as an AI Pioneer, multiplying economic and social benefits at the national level,” Rami Mourtada, Partner and Director at BCG added.
GCC nations’ AI status
The report highlights a region-wide push toward AI maturity, with Saudi Arabia aiming to rank among the top 15 AI nations by 2030. Qatar and Oman are developing modern infrastructure and upskilling initiatives, while Bahrain and Kuwait establish foundational AI strategies.
“The UAE stands out as a beacon of advanced leadership and execution in AI — but what makes this moment remarkable is the broader wave of transformation across the GCC,” Dr. Lars Littig, Managing Director and Partner at BCG explained.
The report recommends expanding AI capabilities through upskilling programmes and international talent acquisition, realigning governance structures with evolving AI ethics frameworks, and intensifying research and development investments to foster stronger academia-industry collaborations.
