From the UAE's National AI Strategy 2031 to the UK's £150bn investment: what the global AI shift means for businesses operating across both markets.
Last night’s Tech Thursdays meetup on AI & the Future of Work lived up to its name — sharp insights, meaningful exchanges, and a room full of people who understand that this is not a distant conversation. It’s happening now.
It is fascinating to see how strongly the UAE government is backing artificial intelligence. The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 is clear in its ambition:
“Implementing this vision on the ground requires rigorous dedication and clear steps that outline the path for success. The AI Strategy aligns with the UAE Centennial 2071, to make the UAE the best country in the world by 2071.”
This vision is already being translated into action through Abu Dhabi’s AED 13 billion digital transformation plans — reinforcing a bold commitment to making AI a driver of sustainable progress for generations ahead.
Across the Atlantic, the US recently pledged £150 billion in investment into the UK, with the majority directed towards AI. With NINIV operating in both the UK and the UAE, we see first-hand how these policies open doors for businesses globally — and particularly for those aiming to grow into the GCC and beyond.
The conversations from this evening, combined with the upcoming GLOBALWIIN Summit of Roundtables (spotlighting Responsible Innovations, Frontier Technologies & Sustainable Solutions), reinforce something I deeply believe: the businesses that engage with these shifts now, rather than waiting, will be the ones shaping the next decade.