Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of Microsoft, affirmed that the United Arab Emirates is leading the world in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and serves as a model for developing digital competencies globally.
Speaking at the opening of the “AI Tour” event in Dubai, Smith stated: “There is one country literally leading the world, with 59.4% of its population already using AI. A country using AI more than any other—it is the UAE.”
He added: “We live in a time full of challenges—tensions, debates, conflicts, and even wars between nations. Some challenges will remain for a long time; some will always be unpredictable and beyond our control. Yet, in times of challenge, there is a world full of opportunities and hope. One thing I love about coming to the UAE is seeing hope increasingly turning into reality. I see the UAE as a beacon of hope.”
Smith noted that while AI adoption is accelerating, it is uneven globally: “According to Microsoft’s study, some regions see 25% to 35% or even 59% of the population using AI, while in other regions usage falls below 10%, sometimes even under 5%.”
He emphasized that these gaps should prompt reflection on how technologies like AI can either bridge or widen inequalities, similar to electricity, which emerged 150 years ago yet still leaves 700 million people, mostly in Africa, without access.
Smith outlined the prerequisites for successful AI adoption: “Out of 8.1 billion people on Earth today, only 1.2 billion use AI at the current rate of adoption. You cannot adopt AI as a country, community, or individual without a solid foundation, starting with electricity. There are 700 million without electricity, reducing the number to 7.4 billion. Then internet access is required; over 2 billion people lack it, leaving 5.5 billion. Even with electricity and internet, digital skills are necessary, bringing the number down to 4.3 billion.”
He highlighted Microsoft’s major AI investment in the UAE, spanning 2023–2029, totaling $15.2 billion: “By the end of December, $7.3 billion will have been spent, with the remainder invested later. This includes $1.5 billion in G42, over $5 billion in AI infrastructure, and the rest supporting workforce development and partner networks in the UAE.”
Smith concluded that investment is not just about figures but strategy and philosophy: “Investment is good, but ultimately it depends on three elements coming together: technology, talent, and trust.”
