Key Takeaways
- The UAE launched a one-billion-dollar program aimed at expanding AI-driven development across African economies, focusing on digital infrastructure, public services and long-term growth.
- The initiative will be carried out by ADEX and the UAE Foreign Aid Agency, reflecting the country’s wider goal of supporting emerging markets and strengthening its global technological presence.
- Emirates airline entered a strategic collaboration with OpenAI that will introduce ChatGPT Enterprise across the airline and support the creation of internal expertise, new use cases and an AI Centre of Excellence.
- The United States approved the export of 35000 Nvidia Blackwell GB300 chips for G42 in Abu Dhabi and Humain in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant advance in regional high performance computing capacity.
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has created a one-billion-dollar program intended to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in African economies, a move officials say will help expand digital infrastructure and reinforce public services across the continent.
The plan, known as AI for Development, was unveiled as Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, H.H Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed addressed leaders at the G20 summit. He said the initiative reflects the Emirates broader effort to support sustainable growth by working with emerging markets and offering new forms of development finance.
According to a WAM report, the Abu Dhabi Exports Office, which operates under the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, will lead the program in coordination with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency. Together, the institutions are expected to focus on projects that introduce advanced technology into essential areas such as schools, farms and transport networks.
Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of the development fund and chair of the ADEX exports committee, said the new effort is designed to help countries reshape their economies with the support of digital tools. According to him, pairing artificial intelligence investment with long-term financing can give governments a way to overcome persistent development barriers and reinforce economic stability.
He added that the initiative also aims to expand the role of UAE companies in delivering technology-driven projects in African markets, strengthening commercial links while contributing to global development targets.
Furthermore, Dr Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, who heads the UAE Foreign Aid Agency, said the initiative continues a long-standing policy of providing humanitarian and development assistance across the continent.
He noted that many African states require meaningful initiatives to strengthen education, health services and basic infrastructure, and said artificial intelligence can help deliver those improvements.
Officials said the initiative echoes the legacy of the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and aligns with the priorities of the UAE leadership, which focuses on helping communities while positioning the country as a major center for research and innovation.
UAE Expands AI Footprint Through New Airline Partnership and Advanced Chip Access
Emirates airline has announced a broad collaboration with OpenAI aimed at bringing artificial intelligence (AI) into core areas of the carrier’s business.
The agreement introduces ChatGPT Enterprise across the organization and includes training programs, technical trials and senior level planning sessions, aimed at integrating the technology into daily operations.
Ali Serdar Yakut, the airline’s executive vice president for information technology, said the company expects artificial intelligence to help solve commercial challenges, sharpen operational performance and offer new ways to serve passengers. He added that working closely with OpenAI will support long term innovation and ensure that technology investments deliver measurable value.
OpenAI regional director Rod Solaimani said the partnership reflects the airline’s ambition to reshape aviation through new digital tools. Both sides will test practical applications, create an internal network of specialists and establish a center dedicated to artificial intelligence development. Emirates will also gain access to emerging research, government innovation programs and early product insights that can support future planning.
In addition to the initiative in Africa and the OpenAI collaboration, the United States last week authorized the export of 35,000 Nvidia Blackwell GB300 chips for use by G42 in Abu Dhabi and by Humain in Saudi Arabia.
The decision provides the firms with access to some of the most advanced components used for artificial intelligence development and large-scale computing.
Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE ambassador in Washington, called the approval an important step in the relationship between the two countries and evidence of confidence in the Emirates technology sector.
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