AI Leaders Gather in Dubai to Promote Gospel of Technology

Key Takeaways:

• UAE ministers declare AI investment as crucial as national defense
• Non-oil sectors now contribute 77.3% of UAE GDP, targeting 80% by 2030
• Global AI market projected to reach $4.8 trillion by 2033
• Dubai’s digital startup support surged 120% year-on-year

World leaders and tech executives converged at GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, presenting a unified vision where cybersecurity and artificial intelligence drive digital resilience and sustainable growth. The event highlights the UAE’s strategic pivot toward becoming a global AI hub.

AI as National Sovereignty

Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, framed AI investment as a matter of national security during his opening address. “Just as nations invest in defence, we must also invest in AI,” he stated at the Dubai World Trade Centre ceremony.

The minister revealed non-oil sectors now contribute 77.3% of Emirati GDP, rising from 69% five years ago, with an 80% target by 2030. “Digital infrastructure and AI are the backbone of productivity,” Al Marri emphasized.

The UAE has integrated AI across government operations, including a trademark registration system that slashes approval times from days to milliseconds. Describing talent as “the oil of the new economy,” he highlighted initiatives like the Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI and long-term visas for digital professionals.

Digital Transformation Accelerates

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah of Dubai Chambers noted digitalization is making trade “faster, smarter and more efficient,” creating equal opportunities for startups. The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy supported over 1,200 digital startups in 2024—a 120% annual increase.

“Dubai’s digital infrastructure and pro-business policies have built a thriving innovation ecosystem,” Lootah said. “Through collaboration and technology, we empower entrepreneurs to drive sustainable global growth.”

Cybersecurity as Innovation Enabler

At the parallel Expand North Star forum, Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, UAE head of cybersecurity, declared that “future resilience will belong to nations that make cybersecurity their DNA.” His “Invest, Inspire, Innovate” mantra outlines the UAE’s digital transformation roadmap.

“Cybersecurity is not just a shield,” Al Kuwaiti asserted. “It is an enabler of innovation and sustainable development.”

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, emphasized that the UAE’s strategy extends beyond economics. “Technology and AI are not about competition—they’re about improving quality of life,” he stated.

Event Scale and Participation

GITEX Global (October 13-17) features tech giants including Microsoft, Google, IBM, Huawei, and Siemens, alongside innovators like Cerebras and Qualcomm. The world’s largest tech showcase brings together 6,800 enterprises, 2,000 startups, and leaders from 180 countries.

Expand North Star (October 12-15) celebrates its 10th edition with 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors managing over $1.1 trillion. The Department of International Trade Promotion brought Thai startups aiming to generate 180 million baht through trade negotiations.

The events underscore Dubai’s emergence as a global technology bridge, connecting innovation ecosystems worldwide while driving the UAE’s economic diversification agenda.