UAE ranks among top emerging economies in AI readiness: Study

The UAE mirrors many benchmarks set by established AI Pioneers, reflecting its success at integrating AI technologies on a national scale

- Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE ranks among the top emerging global economies in Al readiness, according to a report titled “GCC Al Pulse: Mapping the Region's Readiness for an Al-Driven Future” by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The report, based on BCG’s 2024 Al Maturity Matrix, was a focal point at the Dubai Al Assembly during the Dubai Al Week.

As found in BCG's inaugural Al Maturity Matrix, the UAE has earned the designation of Al Contender alongside 31 economies worldwide, including Saudi Arabia. The maturity matrix identified four economic archetypes based on their Al readiness, ranging from Al Emergents at the low end of the scale, followed by Practitioners, then Contenders, and Pioneers at the high end. Other GCC countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, have ranked in the Al Practitioners’ category.

With GCC countries yet to achieve Al Pioneer status, that includes the likes of US, UK, and China, the report highlights substantial opportunities for advancing Al readiness and leadership in the region, with the UAE making notable progress on that path.