After inspiring days in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, one thing became clear: the United Arab Emirates (UAE) isn’t just experimenting with Artificial Intelligence—they’re building a future powered by #AI. As a bold example, the UAE is using AI to assist in drafting laws.
Here are 3 lessons from the UAE’s journey to become the world’s first AI-driven nation—and what they mean for business leaders everywhere:
1️⃣ Lead Boldly: AI at the Center of the Strategy 🎯
Years ago, the UAE didn’t just create a national AI strategy—they named a Minister of AI, launched dedicated universities, and set a public goal: become the first country truly built on AI.
Abu Dhabi has set a bold target: automate every government service by 2027. In meetings today, ministers and boards are already using AI copilots. They’re not just planning—they’re delivering.
➕ Insight for leaders: When AI is a board-level imperative—and budgeted accordingly—it transitions from experiment to enterprise strategy. Aim for centralized AI leadership and map AI into your core business.
2️⃣ Think Bigger Together: Scale Through Ecosystems 🌍
In the UAE, partnerships with other leaders move fast—and go deep. Take G42 and their $1.5B partnership with Microsoft to build sovereign AI cloud infrastructure.
Also, Falcon LLM models, developed by the UAE’s Technology Innovation Institute and available in Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure, are now used across sectors—from healthcare, supported by Oracle partnerships, to smart cities. Or MGX, their latest $100B+ initiative to power global AI data centers and become a global infrastructure player.
➕ Insight for leaders: Accelerate strategic partnerships with ecosystems, as governments, sovereign funds or tech companies.
3️⃣ Build with Trust: People, Skills & Governance First 🤝
Walking through AI universities and training hubs, one thing stood out: talent isn’t left to chance. NYU Abu Dhabi is one of New York University’s three degree-granting campuses in the world.
The UAE is training tens of thousands of people across all sectors to use, build, and govern AI. They’ve even started writing laws with AI assistance, with human supervision.
➕ Insight for leaders: Tech alone isn’t enough for your transformation —it’s also about human empowerment and trust. Invest in governance, ethics, and people reskilling so that AI builds credibility and fuels sustainable growth.
🌟 Final Takeaway: AI First, Human Always
What stood out most to me was the clarity and coherence of their AI strategy and collaborative approach. They move, test, scale, and adapt. And that’s the real opportunity for business leaders everywhere.
This case inspires leaders to put AI on the agenda, partner boldly, and invest in the people who’ll bring it to life. The AI era isn’t coming. It’s here—and it rewards those who act with intention.
What’s one bold move your company is making to embrace AI? Or… what’s holding you back? Let’s share and learn together on Linkedin 🤝
Villaseca on Digital & Business 