At the White House last week, I joined leaders from 45 nations and from pre-eminent technology companies at the Fostering the Future Together summit convened by US First Lady Melania Trump. The discussions in Washington focused on one central question: how can governments, educators and the private sector help families prepare the next generation for a rapidly changing technological future?
We live in an era defined by extraordinary technological change. Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant promise – it is shaping economies, societies and the way we empower the next generation.
The UAE has embraced this transformative potential, positioning itself as a global leader in AI innovation while working closely with like-minded partners, particularly the US, to ensure that these technologies are deployed responsibly, ethically and in the service of humanity.
At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, the UAE firmly believes that progress and development must continue. The region – and its people – are fully capable of success when guided by a clear vision and sustained commitment. The UAE is a living example of this.
This long-term approach is reflected in our focus on building a safe and prosperous future for the next generation, driven by sustained investment in AI, innovation, low-carbon energy and human capital. Within this broader vision, AI has emerged as a central pillar – supported by strong national leadership and strategic partnerships that position the UAE as a leading global partner in technological innovation.
The UAE’s commitment to AI is more than rhetoric – it is embedded in our national strategy and governance. In 2017, we appointed the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. Our Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 sets out a clear milestone for the UAE to become a world leader by 2031, reflecting the belief that AI is an important driver of economic development and sustainable growth. The application of AI could generate up to Dh335 billion ($91.21 billion) in the UAE’s economy, transforming sectors ranging from renewable energy to space exploration and, most importantly, education.
Education has been central to our approach. From the outset, our leadership recognised that the greatest resource of any nation is the minds of its people. By integrating AI into our educational system, we are preparing students to be fully AI literate – equipped to navigate the digital world safely, contribute to technological development and lead the innovations of tomorrow.
Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, AI has become a formal subject in public-school curricula, making the UAE one of the first countries in the world to embed AI in its education system.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant promise – it is shaping economies, societies and the way we empower the next generation
Our higher education institutions are also at the forefront. The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi, among the world’s first graduate-level universities dedicated exclusively to AI, began its first undergraduate programme in 2025. By investing in human capital alongside technological advancement, the UAE is laying the foundation for long-term economic transformation and global leadership in AI.
The UAE is already a major global player in artificial intelligence, with investments in the sector exceeding Dh543 billion since 2024. Our commitment extends beyond national borders. Digital inequality is a global challenge, and international co-operation is essential if technology is to be a force for good. In this context, the UAE’s partnership with the US serves as a model for how countries can collaborate to harness AI responsibly.
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