Al expected to contribute over $96B to the UAE’s GDP by 2031

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to contribute over $96 billion to the UAE’s GDP by 2031, with annual growth projected between 20-30 per cent, analysts say.

- Somshankar Bandyopadhyay [e-mail]

According to PwC, AI is expected to account for 13.6 per cent of the UAE’s GDP, the highest among GCC countries — compared to 12.4 per cent in Saudi Arabia and 8.2 per cent in the rest of the GCC.

Ranked fifth globally in Stanford’s Global AI Vibrancy Tool, the UAE has emerged as a global AI pioneer through a range of strategic initiatives. In 2017, the UAE launched its National AI Strategy 2031 to become a global leader in AI. The strategy targets enhanced productivity and cost reduction across sectors such as transportation, space, renewable energy, water, technology, education, environment, and healthcare particularly in combating chronic and life-threatening diseases.

To support Al’s growth, the UAE has significantly invested in information and communication technology (ICT) and internet infrastructure, through public, private, and foreign direct investments (FDI). During US President Donald Trump’s visit to Abu Dhabi in May 2025, G42, an AI holding company based in Abu Dhabi, announced a partnership with OpenAI, Nvidia, Cisco, SoftBank, and Oracle to develop Stargate UAE — a 5GW AI data centre campus.