The UAE has recently opened the AI Centre of Excellence in Dubai, bringing together Lakeba Group, DoxAI, AqlanX and the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), with support from Microsoft UAE.
Located at UOWD’s Dubai Knowledge Park campus, the centre is built to “develop, deploy, and export AI technologies built in the UAE for use both locally and internationally,” according to the launch announcement.
The centre’s early work concentrates on Arabic Large Language Models, real-time decision engines and AI-powered cybersecurity. Organisers say these areas help the country build systems “aligned with national priorities,” a point that aligns with the UAE’s long-standing view that linguistic, data and security autonomy are essential in an era dominated by US and Chinese platforms.
There were five projects introduced at its opening: “AI-powered talent intelligence and learning analytics,” “Sovereign language models and multilingual AI (Arabic LLMs),” “The AI Factory — modular micro-data centres for high-density AI workloads,” “AI for tomographic electromagnetic data analysis,” and “CRAM — AI-driven cybersecurity risk analysis and mitigation.” Each is designed to take research into deployable tools, from workforce planning to energy-efficient AI infrastructure.
Microsoft UAE has committed a 12-month programme to support training at the centre, including “AI fundamentals training,” “advanced enterprise-aligned learning resources,” “free certification vouchers for students,” and a “Women in Cyber” initiative with G42. The company stated the work aligns with its global AI approach “built on technology, talent, and trust.”
Microsoft’s recent commitments in the UAE include US$15.2 billion in investment between 2023 and 2029 and plans to skill one million people by 2027.
A new Microsoft report shows the UAE has the highest AI adoption rate in the world at 59.4%, with Singapore next at 58.6%. The study notes that strong infrastructure and policy coordination helped countries not traditionally seen as AI builders gain rapid uptake.
“Together, the US and China host 86% of global data centre capacity.” The UAE is positioning itself to compete by expanding domestic data capacity and launching its own AI development hubs, while maintaining control over sensitive systems.