Omar Al Olama, UAE's State Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy, has reaffirmed the country's determination to reach the top of the global AI rankings. Speaking on Bloomberg Television's Horizons Middle East & Africa programme, Al Olama laid out a multi-pronged strategy built on semiconductors, strategic alliances, and a deepening relationship with OpenAI.
UAE Targets Global AI Leadership
Al Olama was unambiguous about the nation's ambitions. "Our goal is clear," he said. "We want to establish the UAE as the global leader across the entire spectrum of AI and digital sciences."
The minister underscored that the UAE's proactive strategy centres on enhancing its role in the semiconductor industry — the foundational hardware layer that underpins modern AI development. He described systematic moves toward chip manufacturing as essential to achieving the country's vision of becoming a superior technology hub.
Semiconductor Strategy and the OpenAI Partnership
Al Olama also discussed the UAE's plans to deepen its strategic partnership with OpenAI, one of the world's leading AI companies, as part of a broader push to implement advanced artificial intelligence technologies that drive innovation and boost the economy.
"We are making systematic moves in the manufacture of semiconductors and are partnering with leading firms in artificial intelligence, including OpenAI, to realise this vision," Al Olama stated.
The minister acknowledged the sensitivity around advanced chip technology and addressed concerns about the potential transfer of such technology from the Middle East to China — a subject of significant geopolitical interest as Gulf nations position themselves as AI hubs.
Interview with Joumanna Bercetche
The wide-ranging interview, conducted by Bloomberg's Joumanna Bercetche, offered a detailed look at how the UAE is engaging with global technology trends to secure a leading position in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
Since being appointed the world's first AI Minister in 2017, Al Olama has consistently placed the UAE at the forefront of international AI policy discussions. His latest remarks underscore that ambition has not diminished — and that the UAE is backing its goals with concrete industrial and commercial moves.
