The Gulf's Ambitious Leap into Artificial Intelligence

The Gulf's Ambitious Leap into Artificial Intelligence

 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making significant strides to become a key player in artificial intelligence (AI), with other Gulf nations following suit. Recent reports suggest that AI could greatly benefit the Middle East's economy in the coming years.
Stephen Anderson from PwC highlighted at the recent Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh that Gulf countries are more willing to experiment with AI compared to other regions. However, the rapid growth of AI raises concerns about its energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, Google reported a notable increase in emissions attributed to AI's energy demands, and experts warn that energy needs from AI and data centers could rise sharply.
Despite these challenges, Anderson believes Gulf countries can lead in AI while promoting sustainability, particularly through solar energy production. Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in AI as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, aiming to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil.