AI is vital to national sovereignty, says UAE minister

Speaking at the opening of GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, Abdulla said governments must allocate dedicated budgets to AI development, stressing that the race for technological leadership is less about competition between nations than about their ability to adapt and innovate.

“AI is a sovereignty issue. We are not competing with others, but with ourselves to be ready for the future,” he said.

The minister urged countries to prioritise building infrastructure, developing talent, aligning national strategies and supporting small and medium enterprises to prepare for an AI-driven economy.

Comparing the current AI revolution to earlier industrial transformations, Abdulla said each era of change has enhanced human productivity. “The human race is built on survival and reinvention. Every revolution, from farming to automation, has made us better and faster,” he said.

He called on governments and businesses to view AI as a catalyst for reskilling and job transformation, rather than a threat to employment. “We never stopped evolving during past revolutions. The same applies today. The youth demand speed and efficiency, and AI will help deliver that,” he added.

He also said embracing AI as a pillar of economic and technological sovereignty would ensure nations remain competitive and resilient in the decades ahead.