UAE’s telecom industry has mapped out what it needs from AI

The UAE is currently experiencing a technological renaissance, and I am fortunate to witness it from the vantage point of leadership in one of the country's leading telecom companies.

Our industry is propelled by the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031, a visionary initiative targeted at positioning the UAE as a global leader in AI.

At the heart of this strategy is the ambition articulated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who stated, ‘We want the UAE to become the world's most prepared country for Artificial Intelligence’ highlights how AI is becoming the signal booster of our sector's evolution, aligning with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision.

For those who seek evidence in numbers, the trajectory speaks volumes.

The AI market in the UAE is projected to reach $949.8 million in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 28.54% from 2024-30, reaching a market volume of $4.28 billion by 2030.

AI is expected to contribute close to 14% of the UAE’s GDP by 2030, marking a significant impact across various sectors, notably in benefits up to $37 billion by 2035. About 42% of businesses in the UAE have embraced AI, a figure that is complemented by the 65% of IT professionals in the UAE reported a significant acceleration in AI rollout over the past 24 months.

The economic indicators are promising, with the UAE economy forecast to expand by around 4.8% in 2025. This growth is emblematic of the broader economic uplift brought about by AI across various sectors, from transport and storage to finance and insurance.

This transition is akin to creating a complex telecom network, advancing digitization with AI.

du aims to fulfill the UAE leadership's vision by embedding AI in multiple sectors, positioning the UAE as a leader in the digital world. Beyond theory, we've implemented practical innovations: predictive maintenance now prevents network problems, and our AI chatbots offer personalized, 24/7 customer service.

Speaking of AI integration within the telecommunications sector, the imperative to align with global data regulation trends and policies is increasingly pronounced.

As the EU did with its GDPR and the US through initiatives like the CCPA push for higher standards in data privacy and protection, the ripple effects are felt worldwide, necessitating a unified approach to data governance that considers privacy, ethical use of AI, and data availability.

Collaborative efforts across sectors and borders are essential to craft effective data governance strategies that are both robust and forward-thinking.

Engaging with a broad spectrum of experts helps in sharing insights and best practices, laying the groundwork for policies that align with or set new global standards.

In the grand scheme of the UAE’s telecommunications transformation, AI stands not just as a feature but as a fundamental frequency reshaping how we connect, communicate, and cater to the digital demands of our era.

As we navigate this digital expedition with determination and hope, it is evident that the telecom sector is not merely adjusting to a new age of technology; it is actively redefining the landscape of digital connectivity for the future.