Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century. It has reshaped domains such as education, the economy, and society. The United Arab Emirates is taking major steps to strengthen its position in the global market through its national UAE AI strategy. These efforts highlight the country’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence.
Homegrown UAE AI: Falcon & Jais as a National Large Language Model
Artificial intelligence is transforming many fields, and one growing area is Large Language Models (LLMs). These models use large amounts of text data to learn how to understand and generate human-like language. While China and the United States used to dominate this market, the United Arab Emirates is rapidly becoming a new home for Large Language Models. Through strong investments in research and technology, the UAE is driving innovation and digital transformation. As a result, it continues to position itself as a leader in the global AI industry.

Furthermore, the UAE is also making moves to become the leader in research and development of artificial intelligence. One notable example of UAE AI innovation is the development of Falcon, a collection of open-source large language models by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Falcon models have earned a good reputation worldwide for their excellent quality-to-performance ratio. Another significant model developed by the UAE is Jais. In fact, Jais is the most powerful Arabic AI language model, developed by G42 and Cerebras Systems.
Overview
The United Arab Emirates is rapidly emerging as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence through major investments in research and technology. Notable innovations like the Falcon and Jais large language models demonstrate the UAE’s growing role in advancing AI development and digital transformation.
Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence is the world’s first graduate AI-based university. MBZUAI was founded in 2019 with the goal of nurturing and attracting global talents and achieving UAE AI goals. The university offers master’s and PhD programs in computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing.

MBZUAI has already achieved a lot in the fields of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship domains. It founded two firms: the Incubation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC), which enables students to translate ideas into startups. Furthermore, MBZUAI students are running startups like Limb, which aims to be an AI-based physiotherapy app that contributes to the growth of UAE AI. MBZUAI has also entered into collaboration with other groups like Presight to help boost AI research.
Overview
The Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is shaping the future of UAE AI education and research. As part of the nation’s growing UAE AI ecosystem, the university focuses on developing talent, advancing innovation, and driving real-world applications of artificial intelligence.
Dubai AI: Powering Traffic and Surveillance Systems by Dubai Police
To begin with, the Dubai Police have introduced a comprehensive traffic and camera system powered by AI that fits into the greater smart city strategy of the UAE, using advanced AI technology to monitor traffic infractions in real time. These include speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, or other unsafe things people do while they drive. Overall, this initiative demonstrates how UAE AI technologies are contributing in practical ways to improve road safety by increasing the accuracy of policing and, through automation and big data analysis, improving efficiency for all parties.

Moreover, more than just detecting violations as found in the last section, in the field of traffic management, artificial intelligence development in UAE is already enabling law and regulation officers to lay out systems that forecast congestion, set preventive measures for high-risk zones, and designate areas in advance to patrol or police. As a result, with Dubai integrating artificial intelligence, Dubai Police is working for a smarter and more advanced management system of proactive traffic and road safety services in conformity with international standards, with a greater level of efficiency and improved public confidence.
Overview
Dubai Police are using AI-powered systems and Dubai AI technology to detect traffic violations and improve road safety. This use of AI shows how Emirati innovation is making traffic control smarter and more efficient..
Masdar City: The Blueprint for a Sustainable Future
Created as a model for future cities, Masdar City is a forward-looking urban development that demonstrates how higher-level technology can be mixed with charm, grace, and respect for the environment. On December 19th, 2006, Masdar City was launched with the aim of transforming the site into a low-carbon smart city that will lead the United Arab Emirates into clean energy and digital innovation. Masdar City demonstrates how AI can help to support sustainable growth, smart infrastructure, and environmentally friendly living.

Today, Masdar City has developed into a hub of technology and research, home to the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and numerous startups that are shaping the UAE’s AI ecosystem.. In areas such as energy saving, intelligent transportation, and urban planning, the city has been using AI technologies more extensively than ever before. Consequently, this shows how innovation can help build smarter and greener cities. It also reflects the UAE’s strong commitment to using artificial intelligence and sustainability as key parts of its national development plan.
Overview
Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is a leading sustainable urban development that showcases how clean energy and technology can shape a greener future. Founded in 2006, it plays a key role in advancing artificial intelligence in UAE, using AI to enhance energy use, transport, and city management. Home to the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), it stands as a hub for UAE AI innovation, driving the UAE’s artificial intelligence initiatives toward a smarter, more sustainable future.
Conclusion:
conclusion, the UAE is becoming a dominant player in the AI market, from the development of Large Language Models such as Falcon and Jais to the creation of the first graduate research-based university, the application of AI to Dubai Police systems, and the promotion of sustainability using AI through Masdar City.
