World Bank Ranks UAE Among Global Leaders in Artificial Intelligence

The UAE has been recognised by the World Bank as one of the world’s leading emerging powers in artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting the country’s investment in AI infrastructure, development of advanced AI models, attraction of global talent and rapid adoption of AI tools.

The recognition comes in the World Bank’s 2026 World Development Report, The Promise of Artificial Intelligence, which examines how artificial intelligence is transforming economies, businesses and public services. The report identifies the UAE as one of a small group of countries making tangible progress in developing advanced foundation AI models.

UAE’s growing AI capabilities

A key example highlighted is the UAE’s Falcon family of large language models, developed by the Technology Innovation Institute. The models are open-source and open-weight, allowing researchers and developers to access, adapt and build on the technology.

The UAE is also emerging as a major destination for AI professionals. According to the report, the country recorded one of the highest net inflows of AI professionals per 10,000 LinkedIn members in 2025. It also ranked first globally for positive net inflows of leading AI authors and inventors, with a score of 2.58.

AI adoption is accelerating in the UAE

The World Bank also highlighted the UAE’s high adoption of generative AI. The country ranks among the world’s top 10 for ChatGPT usage relative to internet users, reflecting growing use of AI tools by individuals and businesses.

The UAE has also incorporated AI literacy into its national skills framework and introduced chief AI officers across federal entities. These measures support the country’s broader strategy to develop AI skills, strengthen digital transformation and integrate artificial intelligence into government and the economy.

What the World Bank report means for AI in the UAE

The World Bank argues that countries can benefit from AI by adopting existing AI tools, adapting them to local needs and eventually advancing AI capabilities themselves. It stresses the importance of digital infrastructure, education, AI skills, data and strong institutions.

For the UAE, the findings reinforce its position as a growing AI hub in the Middle East and underline opportunities for businesses, professionals, students and entrepreneurs to develop AI skills and make greater use of emerging AI technologies.

For UAE residents and businesses, now is an opportunity to explore AI learning, AI tools and emerging technologies as the country’s AI ecosystem continues to expand.

Nuvostella helps businesses put these opportunities into practice through generative AI tools, voice agents and tailored AI solutions. As the UAE ecosystem grows, organisations can move from exploring AI to deploying it in real workflows.

Resources & links

• World Bank — World Development Report 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence
• World Bank — AI Offers Lifeline to Developing Economies in an Era of Weak Growth
• Emirates News Agency — UAE ranks among leading global AI hubs in AI Index 2026
• Technology Innovation Institute — Falcon AI models
• Nuvostella Generative Studio