emirates7 - The UAE is undergoing a remarkable technological renaissance, and I am privileged to witness this transformation from a leadership role within one of the nation’s foremost telecommunications companies.
Our sector is being propelled forward by the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 — a bold and forward-looking roadmap that aims to position the country as a global powerhouse in artificial intelligence.
Central to this strategy is the vision articulated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: "We want the UAE to become the world's most prepared country for Artificial Intelligence." This aspiration not only underscores the country's commitment to innovation but also reinforces AI’s pivotal role in accelerating progress across our industry, in line with the broader UAE Centennial 2071 vision.
The numbers tell a compelling story.
In 2024, the UAE's AI market is estimated to reach $949.8 million. This figure is expected to rise significantly, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 28.54% from 2024 to 2030, reaching approximately $4.28 billion by the end of the decade.
AI is also forecast to contribute nearly 14% to the nation’s GDP by 2030 — a testament to its transformative impact across sectors, with estimated benefits approaching $37 billion by 2035. Currently, around 42% of businesses in the UAE have adopted AI technologies, supported by the 65% of IT professionals who reported a major acceleration in AI deployment over the past two years.
This digital momentum complements broader economic growth, with the UAE economy projected to expand by approximately 4.8% in 2025 — a reflection of how AI is driving progress in areas such as transport, storage, finance, and insurance.
In many ways, this transformation mirrors the development of a next-generation telecom network — leveraging AI to advance the nation’s digital capabilities.
At du, we are committed to realizing the leadership’s vision by embedding AI across various domains, helping to position the UAE as a global leader in digital innovation. Our work goes beyond concepts — it’s reflected in tangible applications such as predictive maintenance, which proactively mitigates network issues, and AI-powered chatbots that provide customers with round-the-clock, personalized support.
Global Outlook on AI in Telecommunications
When it comes to AI in the telecom sector, staying aligned with evolving global data regulations has become increasingly critical.
Frameworks such as Europe’s GDPR and the U.S.’s CCPA are setting the pace for data privacy and ethical AI usage, creating a ripple effect that underscores the need for harmonized data governance. A unified approach that balances privacy, responsible AI, and data accessibility is essential.
This calls for cross-sector and international collaboration to develop governance models that are resilient, ethical, and future-ready. Engaging with global experts to exchange knowledge and establish best practices will help shape standards that either align with or inspire new benchmarks worldwide.
In the broader context of the UAE’s telecom evolution, AI is more than just a tool — it is the driving force redefining how we connect, communicate, and deliver on the digital needs of tomorrow.
As we continue navigating this exciting technological journey, it is clear that the telecom sector is not merely adapting to innovation — it is playing a leading role in shaping the future of digital connectivity.
Our sector is being propelled forward by the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 — a bold and forward-looking roadmap that aims to position the country as a global powerhouse in artificial intelligence.
Central to this strategy is the vision articulated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: "We want the UAE to become the world's most prepared country for Artificial Intelligence." This aspiration not only underscores the country's commitment to innovation but also reinforces AI’s pivotal role in accelerating progress across our industry, in line with the broader UAE Centennial 2071 vision.
The numbers tell a compelling story.
In 2024, the UAE's AI market is estimated to reach $949.8 million. This figure is expected to rise significantly, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 28.54% from 2024 to 2030, reaching approximately $4.28 billion by the end of the decade.
AI is also forecast to contribute nearly 14% to the nation’s GDP by 2030 — a testament to its transformative impact across sectors, with estimated benefits approaching $37 billion by 2035. Currently, around 42% of businesses in the UAE have adopted AI technologies, supported by the 65% of IT professionals who reported a major acceleration in AI deployment over the past two years.
This digital momentum complements broader economic growth, with the UAE economy projected to expand by approximately 4.8% in 2025 — a reflection of how AI is driving progress in areas such as transport, storage, finance, and insurance.
In many ways, this transformation mirrors the development of a next-generation telecom network — leveraging AI to advance the nation’s digital capabilities.
At du, we are committed to realizing the leadership’s vision by embedding AI across various domains, helping to position the UAE as a global leader in digital innovation. Our work goes beyond concepts — it’s reflected in tangible applications such as predictive maintenance, which proactively mitigates network issues, and AI-powered chatbots that provide customers with round-the-clock, personalized support.
Global Outlook on AI in Telecommunications
When it comes to AI in the telecom sector, staying aligned with evolving global data regulations has become increasingly critical.
Frameworks such as Europe’s GDPR and the U.S.’s CCPA are setting the pace for data privacy and ethical AI usage, creating a ripple effect that underscores the need for harmonized data governance. A unified approach that balances privacy, responsible AI, and data accessibility is essential.
This calls for cross-sector and international collaboration to develop governance models that are resilient, ethical, and future-ready. Engaging with global experts to exchange knowledge and establish best practices will help shape standards that either align with or inspire new benchmarks worldwide.
In the broader context of the UAE’s telecom evolution, AI is more than just a tool — it is the driving force redefining how we connect, communicate, and deliver on the digital needs of tomorrow.
As we continue navigating this exciting technological journey, it is clear that the telecom sector is not merely adapting to innovation — it is playing a leading role in shaping the future of digital connectivity.