UAE among top 10 countries with most AI companies per million population, Global AI Competitiveness Index
Singapore, UAE, and Hong Kong lead global AI enterprise density rankings
The UAE has achieved a remarkable position among the top 10 countries with the most AI companies per million population, as revealed in the Global AI Competitiveness Index.
The report, a collaborative effort between the International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group, analyzed over 55,000 AI companies worldwide to evaluate the density, financing, and development of AI enterprises globally.
Highlighting its growing prominence in AI enterprise density, the UAE stands alongside innovation hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong. This milestone reflects the UAE’s strategic vision to become a global leader in AI, driven by progressive policies, robust infrastructure, and targeted investments.
Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner of Deep Knowledge Group stated: “The UAE’s ranking among the top 10 countries for AI companies per capita demonstrates how targeted investments are creating an ecosystem where AI innovation thrives. This is a blueprint for how nations can transform strategic vision into measurable impact.”
Government strategic support and investment
The UAE has consistently demonstrated its commitment to AI at the highest levels. In 2017, the UAE became the first nation to appoint an AI Minister, a groundbreaking move to embed AI at the core of its national strategy. The government’s AI Strategy 2031 aims to contribute AED 335 billion (USD 91 billion) to GDP by 2031 and reduce operational costs by 50% through AI innovation.
The UAE has also established the AED 10 billion (USD 2.7 billion) Dubai Future Accelerator Fund to support AI innovation projects. Complementing this is the nation’s business-friendly environment and zero personal income tax.
Talent attraction and development
To support its AI ambitions, the UAE is rapidly building a talent pipeline. Key initiatives include the Golden Visa program, offering 10-year residency to AI professionals, and the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first dedicated AI research university. Partnerships with top global universities have further enhanced the UAE’s AI research capabilities, supported by high-value scholarships and advanced research funding. As a result, the UAE boasts an annual AI talent growth rate of 30%.
Infrastructure excellence
The UAE’s world-class digital infrastructure underpins its leadership in AI innovation. With over 90% 5G network coverage, 97.1% internet penetration, and the largest data center cluster in the Middle East, the nation provides an unparalleled environment for AI companies to thrive. Its well-developed smart city infrastructure offers the perfect testing ground for cutting-edge AI applications.
UAE’s AI success story: G42
Abu Dhabi-based G42 is a shining example of the UAE’s AI prowess. Specializing in healthcare, finance, and smart city solutions, G42 has become a global leader in AI innovation. In 2024, Microsoft invested USD 1.5 billion into the company, forming a partnership to establish AI research institutes in Abu Dhabi to develop “responsible” AI.
G42 also introduced Jais, an open-source Arabic AI language model with 30 billion parameters. Trained on extensive Arabic data and English computer code, Jais highlights G42’s contributions to advancing AI in the region. Currently valued at over USD 10 billion, G42 embodies the UAE’s vision of becoming a global AI hub.
With its strategic initiatives, investments, and infrastructure, the UAE is well-positioned to lead the global AI revolution. The Global AI Competitiveness Index highlights the country’s impressive progress and underscores its dedication to shaping a future where AI is a driving force for innovation and economic growth.
