UAE Seeks to Become AI Hub, But Faces Talent and Geopolitical Headwinds
-
The UAE is investing heavily in AI research and development, seeking to diversify its economy and project geopolitical power. It released an acclaimed open-source AI model called Falcon in 2022.
-
The UAE touts advantages like oil wealth funding, abundant energy, and permissive data policies. It aims to attract top global AI talent with high pay and a sense of purpose.
-
However, the UAE faces talent competition from AI hubs like the US and China. Researchers may be deterred by restrictions on civil liberties.
-
The UAE is caught between US-China tensions. It has AI partnerships with US firms but also ties to Chinese tech. This risks blowback from Washington.
-
Ultimtely, the UAE's ambitions depend on US government approval. Its AI dreams could be realized on US soil due to policies like the CHIPS Act.