The UAE is establishing itself as a key player in the global AI landscape with the launch of a new open-source generative AI model. This initiative, led by a government-backed research institute, demonstrates the UAE’s growing prominence in the field of artificial intelligence.

Recently, in Abu Dhabi, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) introduced the Falcon 2 series, comprising Falcon 2 11B, a text-based model, and Falcon 2 11B VLM, a vision-to-language model. Managed by Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council, TII is at the forefront of AI innovation.

As a significant oil exporter and a major player in the Middle East, the UAE’s substantial investments in AI have attracted attention from U.S. officials. This has led to discussions regarding the use of American versus Chinese technology. In alignment with Washington, UAE’s G42 AI firm transitioned away from Chinese investments to secure a US$1.5 billion investment from Microsoft.

Faisal Al Bannai, the Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council, highlights the UAE’s strategic advancements in AI. The release of the Falcon 2 series is part of a broader effort to develop large language models. Unlike some entities that keep their AI code proprietary, the UAE, like Meta’s Llama, is committed to sharing its groundbreaking work with the public.

Al Bannai expresses optimism about the forthcoming Falcon 3 generation and emphasizes the UAE’s competitive edge on a global scale. He cites the nation’s ability to make swift strategic decisions as a key advantage.

The UAE’s sovereign wealth funds, controlled by Abu Dhabi’s ruling family and valued at approximately US$1.5 trillion, are pivotal in driving AI and other cutting-edge technologies. The country is also becoming a key player in producing advanced computer chips, critical for training powerful AI systems.

Highlighting its commitment to generative AI, the UAE recently launched a ‘Generative AI’ guide. This guide elucidates AI’s potential across various sectors and offers insights into data privacy and digital technology challenges.

The UAE’s proactive engagement in AI showcases its dedication to leading the global AI race, setting it apart as a nation to observe in the ever-evolving tech landscape.