Mutasem Dajani

In recent years, the role of the Middle East region in global innovation has been driven by a great appetite to adopt new emerging technologies. This region is now positioning itself as a pioneer in digital and technological advancements, with governments and businesses, aligning their ambitions to build a connected and resilient future. Governments across the Middle East have spearheaded initiatives that lay the groundwork for a digitally driven economy.

The UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, led by the UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain, aims to generate $90bn in economic growth, establishing the country as a leader in AI. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 integrates AI and data analytics to transform policymaking and industrial frameworks, while Qatar continues to strengthen its digital infrastructure to future-proof its economy. These initiatives reflect a clear commitment to leveraging technology for economic diversification and sustainable growth.

The launch of the Falcon and Jais Large Language Models out of Abu Dhabi is a great example of advancement in R&D, as is the kingdom’s large-scale green initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees by utilizing advanced AI technology to optimise irrigation through smart sensors and soil monitoring. Such technological advancement is positive, but this region is also making progress in addressing the concerns around the responsible and ethical use of AI and technology.

What sets the Middle East apart in this global transformation is its collaborative approach. Governments and private sector leaders are working together to create an environment favourable to innovation. Emerging AI startups are thriving in the Middle East with support from the government and financially backed accelerators, such as Saudi $40bn AI investments and Qatar’s $2.5bn technology incentives, allowing such startups to scale and innovate.

Cross-regional collaboration is also apparent with countries such as Jordan and Egypt leveraging their growing talent to collaborate with Gulf states on AI projects, fostering innovation and redistributing economic benefits across the region. At Deloitte, we have witnessed how this collaborative spirit drives progress. Deloitte’s AI Institute established in Riyadh for instance, has grown into a hub for innovation and research by driving solutions that address the region’s needs and driving AI fluency for executives.

The transformative impact of technology is not just confined to the economy. It is reshaping the way we educate the next generation and disrupting workplaces. Workplaces are being redefined by automation and AI-driven tools, which in turn enables smarter decision-making and drives productivity. This dual disruption underscores a broader societal change, where technology is fundamentally altering how we work and learn, preparing both current and future generations to navigate a digital-first world.

The education sector is undergoing a digital revolution in many schools and universities within our region. We are seeing more STEM-focused curricula, coding boot camps, and AI-focused learning embedded into their programs. This equips youth with the right tools to excel in a digital-first world and positions them as future innovators and leaders.

To further cement this drive, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence was launched in the UAE as the first university in the world to focus solely on artificial intelligence. While progress is encouraging, some challenges remain. The shortage of digital talent, cybersecurity threats, and the continuous evolution of governance frameworks, requires collective effort and continuous adaptation. The Middle East is no longer following global trends: it is setting them.

By combining bold vision with pragmatic action, the region is carving out its place as a global leader. As 2025 unfolds, I am optimistic. This region is leading the way by creating an environment which allows new technology to flourish and scale responsibly, allowing it to revolutionise the landscape by driving innovation and fostering economic diversification in line with national transformation agendas.