5 published strategies, mapped the same way: the framework, every named objective with its initiatives, the priority sectors — and where S.AI.F controls, gates and audit trail plug into each one.
City AI 360 — the city-scale instance →From AI ready to AI leader
The UAE set out to become one of the leading nations in AI by 2031, in alignment with the UAE Centennial 2071 — an economy built for AI rather than one waiting for it. Eight strategic objectives carry the vision from brand and deployment down to talent, data and governance.
- AED 335bn
- Potential increase in economic output — a 26% uplift
- AED 353bn
- PwC estimate of AI contribution to GDP by 2030 (13.6%)
- 8
- Strategic objectives across three framework tiers
The framework
Vision at the top, activity in the middle, foundations underneath — pick any objective to open it on the right.Build a reputation as an AI destination
The UAE competes with Boston, London, Beijing, Shenzhen and Toronto for scarce AI talent and investment. The differentiator is an established reputation as a bold innovator, expressed through a brand campaign — announced as UAI — and reinforced by delivery against the other seven objectives.
Priority sectors
Where the strategy concentrates first — existing assets plus emerging pockets of advantage.5th largest oil exporter; modelling and algorithms already in extraction, with renewables, smart grids and desalination next.
86m airport passengers a year and the largest marine terminal in the Middle East — a natural test bed for air traffic, baggage and boarding AI.
A chance to lead globally in customer-support AI, with spillover into every other service sector.
Dubai Genomics and a diverse population create rare assets for diagnostics, rare diseases and regionally prevalent conditions.
A strategic imperative as AI raises the threat surface, and an entrepreneurial segment government wants to grow.
Source: UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, Office of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. Figures and initiative names are drawn from the published strategy; S.AI.F mapping notes are our own interpretation.