UAE positions sovereign AI as global export strategy
computerweekly.com Oct 7, 2026

UAE positions sovereign AI as global export strategy

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

At AI Everything Abu Dhabi, UAE executives reframed sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) as a platform for global collaboration rather than isolation. Talal Al Kaissi, CEO of Core42, argued that sovereignty is about control over data and AI risk appetite, not merely domestic tech confinement. He highlighted the UAE’s regulatory framework, which balances permissive innovation with oversight, enabling rapid development of sovereign cloud and AI infrastructure at firms such as G42 and Core42. Al Kaissi noted that while sovereign AI has traditionally served public‑sector and regulated industries, demand is expanding to large enterprises seeking tighter data governance. He warned governments must delineate the boundaries of sovereignty, especially as most cloud and AI services are supplied by a handful of global providers.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The UAE’s model shows how a nation can turn data‑control concerns into a exportable AI ecosystem, forcing rivals to rethink regulatory‑innovation trade‑offs.