The Middle East’s artificial intelligence (AI) landscape is rapidly evolving, with Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia at the forefront of major technological and investment breakthroughs. This month has seen key launches and partnerships that highlight the region’s ambition to become a global AI hub, alongside growing concerns around cybersecurity and accountability.
Quantum Computing Advances
Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has unveiled the region’s first quantum cloud service, providing access to in-house superconducting processors ranging from 5 to 25 qubits. The platform’s improved coherence times mark a significant step toward hybrid quantum-classical experimentation, though practical applications remain years away.
Funding and Investment
The $100 million Presight-Shorooq Fund I has backed five AI start-ups across the UAE and US, including NodeShift, Candid, Hebbia, Blue, and Crunched. This fund aims to link frontier AI firms with the UAE’s sovereign infrastructure and MENA capital ecosystem to accelerate commercial deployment. Abu Dhabi-based Origen secured $50 million from Bluefive Capital to embed AI into government services, smart homes, and manufacturing.
Data Center Expansion
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)-owned HUMAIN has installed 1,024 Qualcomm Cloud AI 100 accelerators in phase one of its AI data center. This deployment is one of Qualcomm’s largest globally, supporting large-scale inferencing via an edge-to-cloud hybrid architecture.
Governance and Security
Abu Dhabi-based G42 will implement an enhanced assurance framework under the US-led Pax Silica initiative. The system embeds cryptographic tracking to monitor deployment and authorised use of advanced US-origin AI semiconductors, addressing geopolitical concerns over AI chip access. Saudi Arabia joined the OECD-hosted Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, enhancing its influence in AI policy development.
Sovereign Infrastructure
The Central Bank of the UAE has partnered with G42 subsidiary Core42 to launch the world’s first sovereign financial cloud. This AI-powered platform strengthens data sovereignty, cybersecurity, and unified multi-cloud management across licensed financial institutions, a critical step in protecting sensitive financial data.
Regional Expansion
G42 and Publicis Sapient plan an AI-first joint venture, targeting launch by mid-2026. Combining sovereign AI cloud infrastructure with enterprise platforms, the partnership aims to scale deployment across the UAE and Global South. Meanwhile, eNovate and Cobi are integrating behavioural intelligence into Egypt’s digital payments ecosystem, starting with the Rize youth wallet.
Accountability and Risks
Research by Dataiku found that 85% of UAE CIOs fear their roles are at risk if AI fails to deliver measurable gains within two years. AI agents already power 65% of business-critical workflows, intensifying governance scrutiny. The UAE Cyber Security Council thwarted AI-powered cyber attacks targeting critical national infrastructure, highlighting rising threats to vital sectors.
Global Engagement
The UAE will host the Artificial Intelligence Summit in 2028, solidifying its role in global AI governance. Iraq launched a National University Championship for Robotics and AI Applications in Baghdad, supporting specialised AI colleges. Red Bull Basement opened AI innovation contest applications in Jordan, inviting founders aged 18–24 to submit AI-driven ideas.
These developments underscore the Middle East’s growing commitment to AI, with a focus on sovereign control, security, and commercial deployment. The region is positioning itself as a key player in the global AI landscape, though governance and cybersecurity will remain paramount challenges.
