In the quest to diversify their economy away from oil dependence and establish themselves on the global stage, the Gulf States, predominantly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are investing heavily in Artificial Intelligence (AI). With AI being at the frontier of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Gulf states see technology as an essential tool to leapfrog their economies into the 21st century and beyond.
A factor that motivates these Gulf states to become AI superpowers is economic diversification. For many years, these countries have relied heavily on oil exports as a key source of their revenue. With the global shift towards clean energy and mounting environmental concerns, there’s a pressing need for these nations to find new income sources. AI is seen as a cornerstone for implementing this economic diversification strategy. Gulf states are striving to increase their AI adoption in sectors such as transportation, health, space, renewable energy, water, technology, education, among others. Consequently, this will lead to the creation of new jobs, upsurge in economic activities, and drive economic growth.
Another key reason is their desire for global supremacy. For the Gulf states, being an AI superpower isn’t just an economic strategy – it’s a global standing ambition. By taking a lead in AI technology, Gulf states aspire to portray their nations not only as economic pioneers but also as avant-garde in technological innovation, thus bolstering their standing in the international community.
Moreover, the need for social advancement and citizen well-being is also a driving force behind this ambition. Gulf states reckon that AI has the potential to find solutions for various socio-economic challenges such as urban planning, water scarcity, energy consumption, healthcare, etc. AI could be exploited to provide personalised or preventive solutions in healthcare, optimize energy use, improve traffic management, and much more. This socio-economic development ambition is placing these nations at the forefront of AI adoption.
Furthermore, these countries recognize that AI is an opportunity to advance their national security. With the rise of cyber threats, countries increasingly see the need for AI to enhance their defence capabilities. Having control over cutting-edge AI technologies is perceived as crucial in ensuring their safety and security.
In promoting AI, the Gulf states have crafted national AI strategies that encompass aspects from AI governance to R&D to education and skills development. The UAE, for instance, became the first country to have a minister for AI, reflecting its commitment to become a global leader in AI. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 outlines AI as a key driver of its ambitious plans to transform the nation’s socio-economic landscape.
However, Gulf states are not without their challenges in the pursuit of AI dominance. These include the lack of a skilled workforce, concerns over data privacy, and social acceptance of AI technologies, among others. Therefore, investing in education, establishing regulatory frameworks, and fostering an AI culture is crucial in overcoming these obstacles.
In conclusion, Gulf states’ pursuit to become AI superpowers stems from their need for economic diversification, global supremacy, social advancement, and national security. While they face certain challenges, their ambitious national strategies and significant investments in AI suggest that these nations are well on their path to becoming global AI leaders. Their progress will certainly be a fascinating case study for other countries looking to harness the potential of AI in transforming their economies.
