Latest news with #GlobalAICompetitivenessIndex
Entrepreneur
06-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How Ecosystem Partnerships Shape MENA's Future in AI
You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. "The opportunity the UAE and Saudi Arabia have is that they now can set the terms of the global conversation on artificial intelligence (AI)," says Vikas Aggarwal, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Academic Director of INSEAD's Global Private Equity Initiative (GPEI), on the sidelines of the AI Forum: Middle East organized by INSEAD in partnership with French Tech. Prof. Aggarwal is rightly highlighting that the UAE is developing one of the most cohesive and advanced AI ecosystems in the MENA region, and perhaps around the world as well. Over the last few years, the UAE has introduced several national AI initiatives, including appointing the world's first Minister of State for AI in 2017 and launching the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. Recently, the country was ranked among the top 10 countries with the most AI companies per million people, according to the Global AI Competitiveness Index, a collaborative effort between the International Finance Forum and Deep Knowledge Group that analyzed over 55,000 AI companies worldwide. Plus, the country's Ministry of Education has just announced the integration of AI as an official subject in the public-school curriculum for kindergarten to Grade 12, starting from the 2025-2026 academic year. "In the Middle East, we now have a very unique confluence of government vision, public investment, and an ecosystem of AI players. For AI entrepreneurs to survive, you need this broader ecosystem not only locally, but also internationally," says Prof. Aggarwal. "Corporate partnerships, like what G42 has with Microsoft, are very good examples of how developing a broader partnership ecosystem can create a framework within which entrepreneurs can flourish." "I think the UAE is in a very unique position because, in contrast with many parts of the world where there is less clarity on regulatory frameworks, here you have a very favorable structure for innovation. That is why I think the UAE's AI entrepreneurs will play a central role in driving the adoption of AI worldwide. When it comes to AI, there is not going to be one player, but an ecosystem of players." Prof. Aggarwal is no stranger to witnessing (and taking part in) the emergence of startup ecosystems. Following his Silicon Valley startup experience, where he worked with the founding team of to grow the company through multiple rounds of venture financing, he also worked as an independent consultant to a range of tech firms. Today, he focuses on venture capital-backed startups, as well as larger firms experiencing significant environmental change. "A lot of the businesses we saw in the Middle East from 2010/2012 until this current AI boom were very much local/regional solutions to problems that exist globally, and for which other firms created local solutions [in other parts of the world]; but the big question for me now is to what degree the local and regional AI firms of today will have a global impact." he says. Prof. Aggarwal led a panel entitled "AI Startups in MENA: Fueling Innovation, Competing Globally", held as part of INSEAD Global AI Forum Series. The session explored the opportunities and challenges that AI startups face across the region, with a special focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia as rising global hubs for innovation. His first piece of advice for AI startups is to be open to partnerships. "They need to recognize that they are operating in an environment where ecosystem relationships are key. Following government regulations and frameworks, finding corporate partners, and thoughtfully structuring relationships, are all important and very interdependent imperatives that AI entrepreneurs cannot pursue in isolation." A panel entitled "AI Startups in MENA: Fueling Innovation, Competing Globally", held as part of INSEAD Global AI Forum Series in Dubai. Source: INSEAD The INSEAD event in Dubai also coincided with the launch of INSEAD's Human and Machine Intelligence Institute (HUMII), whose mission is to understand and shape the evolving partnership between humans and machines in business and leadership. Prof. Aggarwal expands his support to ecosystem partnerships by pointing to the need for academic research and partnerships, via initiatives such as HUMII, to play an crucial role in the AI ecosystem. "The institute is tasked with bringing together participants from across our portfolio of programs to better understand how we can put humans at the center of future developments," he explains. "Academic institutions are a great opportunity to serve as a hub to bring people together. Given the importance of ecosystems, particularly in AI, entrepreneurs should focus on developing closer relationships with universities because they can play a catalyzing role in driving the success of their entrepreneurial ventures." The UAE recently expanded its Golden Visa regime, a long-term residence for foreign talents, to tech and AI specialists and founders, inviting them to live and build their solutions in the UAE. "One of the great things is that the UAE and Saudi Arabia have the ability to attract the best talent, from Europe to Southeast Asia to other parts of the world. That was happening even before the AI boom, and I think that was quite necessary for this AI boom in MENA to really take off," Prof. Aggarwal says. Investors have been increasingly supporting the AI vision of regional governments, such as Saudi Arabia aiming to derive about 12% of its GDP from the AI industry by 2030, or the UAE aiming to increase digital economy-related contributions to its GDP to over 20% by 2031. To AI startups looking to raise funds, Prof. Aggarwal advises finding a way to revenue and scalability "very quickly." He adds, "Startups need to figure out how they can quickly get to the point where the business model is clear and where there is a clear path to scaling. I don't think there is a shortage of capital; rather there is a need for entrepreneurs who bring together their vision with a scalable business model and execution capability, as well as the ability and willingness to work in the context of partnerships. If you as an entrepreneur have that magic combination, the capital will come." "The track to revenue is critical, particularly with AI. Who are you partnering with? What is the vision? I think one of the things that VCs always want to understand is whether you are someone who is very tied to their vision or somebody who can pivot and move and is willing to say, 'ok, let's evolve.' As an entrepreneur, you have to be open to the process of learning, and that's what VCs are looking for. It's not just about the idea, but about the way in which you approach feedback from the market," Prof. Aggarwal concludes.
Arab News
23-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia ranks 15th globally in AI research output
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has ranked 15th globally in artificial intelligence research output for 2025, driven by the volume of academic publications, according to a new report. The Kingdom produced 29,639 AI-related publications, placing it among the top contributors to global AI research and highlighting its emerging role as a regional technology leader. This performance places Saudi Arabia ahead of several long-established research hubs, including the Netherlands, Singapore, and Russia, as well as Switzerland and Sweden, according to the newly released Global AI Competitiveness Index. Dmitry Kaminskiy, general partner at Deep Knowledge Group, said: 'Saudi Arabia's ranking aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, reinforcing the country's commitment to developing a sustainable, diversified knowledge-based economy.' He added: 'With AI being a central pillar in the nation's development plans, the findings of our report pave the way for continued excellence and leadership in the field.' The Global AI Competitiveness Index, jointly developed by the International Finance Forum and Deep Knowledge Group, evaluated more than 2 million AI-related scientific papers and invention patents worldwide. The report measures countries based on both the quantity and impact of their AI research contributions. The Kingdom's output translates to over 823 AI publications per million people, which reflects its ongoing efforts to strengthen its scientific and technological landscape. 'Saudi Arabia's AI research output is a testament to the country's commitment to becoming a leader in technology and innovation. The Kingdom's strategic investments in AI infrastructure and talent development are already yielding impressive results, setting the stage for further advancements,' Kaminskiy added. The research milestone comes amid broader gains in global AI competitiveness. In the 2024 Global AI Index by Tortoise Media released in September, Saudi Arabia climbed 17 positions to rank 14th overall, overtaking the UAE as the leading Arab nation in AI. The index, which evaluates countries on factors such as research, talent, infrastructure, and government policy, also reaffirmed the Kingdom's top global ranking in the government strategy category. Global trends The Global AI Competitiveness Index report also underscores broader international trends, with Mainland China leading in total volume of AI papers — reporting a 696 percent increase over the past decade to reach 769,000 publications. Japan and South Korea's entry into the global top 10 further reflects the growing dominance of East Asia in the international AI research landscape, the report noted. Saudi Arabia has also been ranked 24th globally in AI patent output. With a total of 1,189 AI-related patents filed, the Kingdom is continuing to build its innovation capacity in parallel with its growing research footprint. While its absolute patent count remains modest compared to leading nations, the ranking reflects the country's early but expanding efforts in technological commercialization and intellectual property development within AI. In terms of AI patents per million people, Saudi Arabia reported a rate of 35, placing it ahead of larger economies such as Russia with 6.4, and India with 3.1, but still trailing far behind global leaders like South Korea, 2,317.9, Japan, 1,751.2, and the US, 1,365.2.
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia ranks 15th globally for AI research papers, Global AI Competitiveness Index
Kingdom showcases remarkable research output with 29,639 AI publications; over 823 AI publications per million population Hong Kong – Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key player in the global AI research landscape, ranking 15th globally in the number of AI research publications for 2025, according to the latest Global AI Competitiveness Index. The report is available for viewing at The Index evaluates countries on the quantity and quality of their AI research, and measures factors such as the number of AI publications and their impact in academic journals. The study, which analysed more than two million Al-related scientific research papers and Al invention patents from countries around the globe, is a collaborative effort between the International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group (DKG). The IFF is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in October 2003 by G20 countries and international organizations including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. DKG is a leading global think tank specializing in AI research and innovation, focusing on fostering advancements in technology, healthcare, and other strategic industries. The report highlights the Kingdom's remarkable contribution with 29,639 AI publications, a figure that underscores its growing position as an AI research hub, with over 823 AI publications per million people. This achievement positions Saudi Arabia ahead of several well-established players such as the Netherlands, Singapore, Russia, Switzerland, and Sweden in the realm of AI research output. As the nation continues to focus on advancing AI technologies, the ranking highlights the progress made by Saudi Arabia in fostering a robust research ecosystem. Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner at Deep Knowledge Group stated: "Saudi Arabia's ranking aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, reinforcing the country's commitment to developing a sustainable, diversified knowledge-based economy. With AI being a central pillar in the nation's development plans, the findings of our report pave the way for continued excellence and leadership in the field." "Saudi Arabia's AI research output is a testament to the country's commitment to becoming a leader in technology and innovation. The Kingdom's strategic investments in AI infrastructure and talent development are already yielding impressive results, setting the stage for further advancements," Kaminskiy added. As the Kingdom continues to increase its investments in AI research, it is poised to further enhance its position in the global AI landscape, contributing to both technological innovation and economic development. According to the report, Mainland China has become the region with the greatest total number of Al papers globally at 769,000, a 696% rise over the past 10 years. Japan and South Korea entered the global top 10, demonstrating East Asia's contribution to global Al research. For media enquiries, please contact: Keel Comms support@
Channel Post MEA
17-02-2025
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
Global AI Competitiveness Index Features UAE Among The Top 10 Countries in the World
The Global AI Competitiveness Index revealed that the UAE has achieved a remarkable position among the top 10 countries with the most AI companies per million population . The report, a collaborative effort between the International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group, analyzed over 55,000 AI companies worldwide to evaluate the density, financing, and development of AI enterprises globally. Highlighting its growing prominence in AI enterprise density, the UAE stands alongside innovation hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong. This milestone reflects the UAE's strategic vision to become a global leader in AI, driven by progressive policies, robust infrastructure, and targeted investments. Dmitry Kaminskiy , General Partner of Deep Knowledge Group, stated: 'The UAE's ranking among the top 10 countries for AI companies per capita demonstrates how targeted investments are creating an ecosystem where AI innovation thrives. This is a blueprint for how nations can transform strategic vision into measurable impact.' Government strategic support and investment The UAE has consistently demonstrated its commitment to AI at the highest levels. In 2017, the UAE became the first nation to appoint an AI Minister, a groundbreaking move to embed AI at the core of its national strategy. The government's AI Strategy 2031 aims to contribute AED 335 billion (USD 91 billion) to GDP by 2031 and reduce operational costs by 50% through AI innovation. The UAE has also established the AED 10 billion (USD 2.7 billion) Dubai Future Accelerator Fund to support AI innovation projects. Complementing this is the nation's business-friendly environment and zero personal income tax. Talent attraction and development To support its AI ambitions, the UAE is rapidly building a talent pipeline. Key initiatives include the Golden Visa program, offering 10-year residency to AI professionals, and the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world's first dedicated AI research university. Partnerships with top global universities have further enhanced the UAE's AI research capabilities, supported by high-value scholarships and advanced research funding. As a result, the UAE boasts an annual AI talent growth rate of 30%. Infrastructure excellence The UAE's world-class digital infrastructure underpins its leadership in AI innovation. With over 90% 5G network coverage, 97.1% internet penetration, and the largest data center cluster in the Middle East, the nation provides an unparalleled environment for AI companies to thrive. Its well-developed smart city infrastructure offers the perfect testing ground for cutting-edge AI applications. UAE's AI success story: G42 Abu Dhabi-based G42 is a shining example of the UAE's AI prowess. Specializing in healthcare, finance, and smart city solutions, G42 has become a global leader in AI innovation. In 2024, Microsoft invested USD 1.5 billion into the company, forming a partnership to establish AI research institutes in Abu Dhabi to develop 'responsible' AI. G42 also introduced Jais, an open-source Arabic AI language model with 30 billion parameters. Trained on extensive Arabic data and English computer code, Jais highlights G42's contributions to advancing AI in the region. Currently valued at over USD 10 billion, G42 embodies the UAE's vision of becoming a global AI hub. With its strategic initiatives, investments, and infrastructure, the UAE is well-positioned to lead the global AI revolution. The Global AI Competitiveness Index highlights the country's impressive progress and underscores its dedication to shaping a future where AI is a driving force for innovation and economic growth. 0 0
CairoScene
13-02-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
UAE Ranks Among Top 10 Nations for AI Firms Per Capita
The ranking was based on a comprehensive analysis of over 55,000 AI companies worldwide. Feb 13, 2025 Following a comprehensive analysis of over 55,000 AI companies worldwide, the UAE has secured a spot among the top 10 countries globally with the highest number of artificial intelligence (AI) firms per million people. According to the Global AI Competitiveness Index, a report jointly developed by the International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group, this achievement is the result of the country's targeted investments in AI research, talent development, and regulatory frameworks designed to attract top-tier AI enterprises. The UAE has introduced several initiatives, including the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which aims to integrate AI into key sectors such as healthcare, finance, and education. Additionally, the country's business-friendly policies and AI-focused investments have fueled the rapid growth of AI startups and enterprises. As government entities and private businesses continue adopting AI solutions, industry experts predict an even faster acceleration in AI adoption, further strengthening the nation's role in the global AI landscape.
