🇦🇪🇸🇦 AI Progress in UAE and Saudi Arabia: 2025 Update on Strategy, Education, and Investment
AI is accelerating across the Middle East, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia leading the charge.
Both nations are investing heavily in AI education, infrastructure, and legislation — reshaping their economies and positioning themselves as global AI hubs.
🇦🇪 UAE’s Strategic AI Developments
📘 AI Curriculum in Schools
Starting from 2025–2026, the UAE will introduce mandatory AI classes in all public schools, from kindergarten to Grade 12. This is part of a national push to equip future generations with foundational tech skills.
⚖️ AI-Powered Lawmaking
The UAE has launched a Regulatory Intelligence Office to use AI in drafting laws — aiming to reduce time spent on legislation by 70%.
💰 Major Investments
- G42, a major AI firm, has expanded into the U.S. with “G42 USA.”
- The MGX Fund will manage over $100B in AI-focused capital across sectors.
🏎️ AI in Sports – Autonomous Racing
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) showcases AI-driven drone and vehicle races — blending innovation and entertainment.
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia’s AI Advancements
📈 One Million Trained in AI
The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has trained 790,000+ people, aiming to reach 1 million AI-literate citizens.
🧱 Infrastructure Boom
KSA has 33 operational data centers and plans 42 more, targeting 2.2GW of compute power.
💼 Corporate AI Expansion
Salesforce launched a $500M AI adoption program in Saudi Arabia to drive enterprise AI integration over the next 5 years.
🥊 AI Judges in Sports
The upcoming Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk rematch will use an AI judge to help score the fight — a world first.
📊 UAE vs. KSA: AI Strategy Comparison
| Feature | 🇦🇪 UAE | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
| AI in Education | Mandatory AI K-12 Curriculum | 790,000+ Trained (Goal: 1M) |
| Legislation | AI-assisted law drafting | Not yet implemented |
| Investment | MGX Fund ($100B), G42 USA | Salesforce $500M plan |
| Infrastructure | Microsoft-UAE hyperscale centers | 75 data centers, 2.2GW capacity |
| Sports | Autonomous drone/car races | AI judge in boxing match |
📈 Economic Impact of AI by 2030
Chart: Projected AI contribution to GDP — UAE: $96B (13.6%), Saudi Arabia: $135B (12.4%) by 2030.
🧾 Suggested Infographic
Title: “AI Integration in the Gulf: UAE vs. Saudi Arabia”
- 📘 Education Strategy
- 📜 Legal Reforms
- 💵 Funding & Corporate Involvement
- 🏗️ Data Infrastructure
- ⚽ AI in Sports & Entertainment
🔚 Final Thoughts
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are not just adopting AI — they are architecting the future around it. With massive investments, public education overhauls, and global partnerships, these nations are becoming definitive AI leaders in the Gulf and beyond.