Software, telecommunications and digital infrastructure
The UAE is positioning its free-zone network as the Middle East gateway for a China-backed BRICS artificial intelligence initiative. The framework connects trade corridors, digital infrastructure, and regulatory sandboxes between Chinese and Emirati tech enterprises. It aims to accelerate commercial AI adoption and support wider Gulf efforts to attract Chinese high-tech investments.
Abu Dhabi's Mubadala led GCC sovereign wealth funds in the first nine months of 2026, deploying $26.2 billion globally. China, including Hong Kong, emerged as the second-largest international destination for Gulf sovereign capital, attracting 10% of total invested funds.
A survey of 100 institutional investors managing $513 billion found that 56% expect the US and China to jointly lead global AI within five years. Conducted by Pureprofile for Robocap across eight markets including the UAE and China, the report notes closing gaps in patents, research graduates, and applied robotics. All surveyed investors also projected that the UAE and Saudi Arabia will make significant progress toward becoming global AI hubs.
Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced the opening of 26 new private educational institutions for the 2026-27 academic year under its Education 33 Strategy. The expansion adds nearly 17,000 school seats and features international university launches, including Peking University HSBC Business School. The authority is also prioritising AI literacy, future workforce skills, and the addition of 18,000 affordable school places over the next two years.
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