The United Arab Emirates’ AI Future:
How Google is Driving Growth and Innovation
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is reimagining what a modern economy can look like. While oil once defined its economic story, the UAE is now leading the region in building a diversified, future-ready economy powered by technology and innovation – especially artificial intelligence (AI).
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Generative AI could grow the economy of the UAE by 298 AED billion, the equivalent of 19% of Gross Value Added (GVA).
AI enables new and emerging sectors to scale more quickly, reducing reliance on traditional industries. We estimate that generative AI could support the UAE’s economy to diversify by almost 13%.
Turbocharging the UAE’s economic growth
AI is helping to accelerate the UAE’s national priorities – from boosting productivity to building world-class services and reducing reliance on oil.4 Google’s investments, partnerships, and AI-powered tools are further supporting this shift.
In 2024, Google Search, Google Play, YouTube, Google Cloud, and Google Advertising Tools provided 21.8 AED billion of economic activity for the UAE’s businesses, non-profits, publishers, creators and developers. This is equivalent to 1% of the UAE’s entire GDP.
jobs
The app ecosystem underpinned by Google Play and Android has enabled the creation of 30,000 jobs.
people
Through the key upskilling initiative Maharat Min Google, Google has trained over 430,000 individuals in the UAE since 2018.5
Making everyday life easier
Gemini
63% of adults in the UAE said they have used Gemini, Google’s AI Assistant, and 38% of users said they now use it every day. 90% of users agreed that Gemini helped them to be more productive. 71% of users agreed that Gemini is easier to use in Arabic than other AI chatbots.
Search
50% of adults in the UAE agree that Google Search is essential to their daily lives and 89% said that they find the results of Google Search reliable.
Maps
89% of adults in the UAE reported that Google Maps and/or Waze were very useful when they were avoiding getting lost, and 91% said that they helped to find the fastest route to their destination.
GPay & GWallet
90% of adults in the UAE agreed that the ability to make contactless purchases on mobile devices through the likes of GPay or GWallet makes their life easier.
Supporting UAE nationals and residents to learn new skills
Through AI-powered tools and platforms like Search and Gemini, Google is helping people across the UAE learn new digital skills and adapt to the future of work. This is increasing in importance as individuals seek to keep pace with the AI transformation.
Google plays a particularly important role supporting young people’s education:
Gemini
72% of 18-24 year old Gemini users said they had used it to support their studies (i.e. ideas for a project or revise a topic).
Search
81% of 18-24 year old Google Search users agreed that their education would have been more difficult without it.
YouTube
62% of 18-24 year old YouTube users said they find it a very helpful tool to learn new things.
Connecting businesses of all sizes to new customers
From small retailers to global exporters and government bodies, businesses of all types in the UAE are using Google Search and Ads to connect with customers more effectively. These tools are making it easier to launch, scale, and compete in a digital-first economy – both at home and abroad.
94% of adults in the UAE use Google Search at least once a month to compare the prices of products and services. 73% of 18-24 year olds said they use Google Search at least weekly to shop or browse products online.
80% of adults in the UAE use Google Maps and/or Waze at least once a month to find a local business and 86% said they checked Google reviews before visiting a venue or business at least once a month.
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In 2024, we estimate that Google’s Search and Ads alone helped provide 20.2 AED billion in economic activity for businesses in the UAE. Of this, Google Search, Ads and AdSense have helped UAE businesses to export 2.2 AED billion of goods and services across the world.
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In 2024, we estimate that Google’s Search and Ads alone helped provide almost 3.6 AED billion in economic activity for SMBs. Of this, Google Search, Ads and AdSense have helped UAE SMBs to export 394 AED million of goods and services across the world.
The potential of cloud computing
Google Cloud is helping public organisations and private businesses in the UAE boost productivity, collaborate better, gain competitive advantages and work smarter. At the heart of this is Google’s innovations that can be accessed through Google Cloud’s unified stack of enterprise-ready tools and services. With that, organisations can quickly gain value from generative AI and address their specific use cases.
Google Cloud technologies are also helping businesses operate more safely. By working with Google Cloud, organisations can identify and respond to threats quickly, mitigate risks and securely transform their overall infrastructure.
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Enhanced cybersecurity capabilities in the UAE are projected to prevent at least $6.8 billion in cybercrime losses, support over 20,300 specialised cybersecurity jobs, and attract up to $1.4 billion in cumulative foreign direct investment by 2030.6
To that end, in 2025, the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) and Google Cloud launched a strategic initiative to further support the UAE’s positioning as a global leader in cybersecurity innovation and education. As part of this initiative, Google Cloud will establish a UAE-focused cybersecurity centre of excellence in Abu Dhabi with the mission of driving cutting-edge cybersecurity research and innovation while nurturing the next generation of cyber talent.
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To date, startups from 6+ MENA Google for Startups Accelerators have raised more than 3.43 AED billion, 337 AED million in the UAE alone, while creating over 1,335 new jobs in the region. These startups also continue to develop and scale across the region.7
FortyGuard: Changing the game with the Google for Startups Accelerator.
MENA Google for Startups Accelerator programmes empower startups to build with the latest AI technologies and unlock faster growth through Google Cloud technology. This is achieved through a programme anchored in comprehensive workshops, focused mentorship, and access to up to $300,000 in Google Cloud credits.
Founded in Abu Dhabi, FortyGuard began with a simple question: “Where are the hotspots?” The company now builds hyper-local, real-time heat maps powered by AI. Its platform ingests 42 billion GPS data points daily to model temperature ‒ 2 metres above the ground, every 10 metres, every second ‒ informing use cases from logistics and energy, to public health and urban planning.
The Google for Startups Accelerator turbocharged FortyGuard’s journey, offering cloud credits, AI mentorship, and infrastructure support. The support from Google improved FortyGuard’s technical capabilities, leading to a 5x increase in model efficiency and scalability. In turn, the company has now expanded to five countries including the entire US, and is on track to achieve over $3 million in annual revenue this year alone.
Today, the company runs its models on Google Cloud, integrates with Maps and Earth Engine, and uses Vertex AI to train and deploy its models at speed. The result is a powerful partnership that’s helping FortyGuard bring smarter, cooler cities to life across the globe.
Google is the company that understands AI maybe more than anyone else. They've got the solutions, they've got the expertise, but they also have the ecosystem. The Google Accelerator was a game changer, they helped us really think about how we were going to roll out across different markets to reach the global customers we wanted.
Boosting productivity in the workplace
Google’s tools and services are helping workers to save time and focus their efforts on more valuable tasks. This is particularly true in the UAE’s public sector, where AI-powered products are driving measurable gains in efficiency and effectiveness – supporting stronger services, smarter operations, and faster growth.
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We estimate that AI tools could help increase productivity across the UAE by 15%. This is equivalent to 310 hours per worker reallocated to higher-value tasks per year.
97% of public sector workers in the UAE said that Google’s AI-enabled tools help them to be more productive at work, and 65% say their job would be harder without access to Google’s tools.
Partnering with local developers to capture opportunities
The Android and Play ecosystem is supporting thousands of developers and digital entrepreneurs across the UAE. From local app creators to content producers and tech startups, Google’s platforms are helping more people turn ideas into income – and powering a growing digital economy.
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In 2024, we estimate the Android App Economy generated over 455 AED million in revenue for UAE-based developers.
Over the past year, developer community training initiatives have reached more than 12,300 developers across the UAE, educating developers across Google’s AI, Cloud, Geo platforms and more that has helped produce a highly skilled technical workforce.
Google Developer Experts: Driving innovation across the region.
Rena Baba is Director of Innovation and Experience at Serco Middle East, leading service design and AI-driven transformation across government, real estate, and aviation sectors. As a Google Developer Expert (GDE) in Machine Learning and Google for Startups mentor, Rena has grown her global network, honed her technical and strategic skills, and applied AI to real-world challenges.
Since becoming a GDE, Rena has trained and mentored over 3,000 professionals on AI, machine learning, and GenAI prompt engineering, delivering workshops across 5 countries. She has also developed more than 10 AI-powered prototypes that optimise workflows and enhance service delivery in large organisations. She continues to drive inclusive, context-aware innovation that delivers measurable value.
Through the GDE program, I’ve developed a unique ability to bridge deep tech with service design — turning complex innovation into simple, scalable value for end users. I’ve strengthened my thought leadership, expanded my advisory skills, and built a global network of innovators. It has enhanced both the strategic and technical depth I bring to every client engagement.
Supporting a sustainable news industry
An important element of driving Google’s overall mission is connecting users to news that matters to them and supporting journalists to get this job done. For over 20 years, Google has worked collaboratively with the news industry and provided billions of dollars to support journalism in the digital age.
One of the key programmes bringing this commitment to life is the Google News Initiative. The Google News Initiative (GNI) is committed to partnering with publishers to foster a more sustainable future for the news industry. Through its collaborative partnerships, innovative products and programs, GNI aims to empower news publishers to leverage the benefits of AI and thrive in the digital landscape.
Google News Initiative has trained over 600,000 journalists and journalism students globally since 2015, including 20,000+ in the MENA region alone.
The National: Going global with the Google News Initiative.
Founded in 2008 to represent the UAE on the global stage, The National has evolved from a local broadsheet into a major international media outlet. Today, it delivers Middle East reporting to audiences around the world. With a growing digital presence – from newsletters and apps, to podcasts, and an international website.
Through its work with the Google News Initiative – including the Innovation Challenge, North Star Foundation programme, AI Design Sprint and AI Launchpad – The National has received tailored training, technical mentorship, and product development support. These initiatives supported The National’s strategic shift to audience registration, which helped it grow to 150,000 registered users in under a year.
The newsroom has also been able to develop a text-to-speech tool in Arabic and English, opening up accessibility to wider audiences. Finally, thanks to the AI Launchpad, the team has built an internal roadmap for AI adoption that’s improving newsroom workflows, productivity and staff engagement.
Google has helped us go from ideas to action — supporting not just our tools, but our thinking. The programmes we have been involved with wouldn't have had the same impact without Google enabling them.
Powering the UAE’s Creator economy
YouTube offers UAE-based creators a platform to share their culture with the world across multiple formats. Their content resonates strongly with viewers – particularly younger audiences – who view it as having high production value and are increasingly inspired to turn content creation into a sustainable career.
79% of adults in the UAE think that content creators produce content of equal production value to traditional media, with 35% regularly watching YouTube videos on their TV.
73% of 18-24-year-olds in the UAE have considered pursuing a career on YouTube as a way to earn a living.
84% of adults in the UAE agree that local YouTube creators help to share the UAE’s culture with the world.
Over 95% of watch time on content produced by YouTube channels in the UAE, came from outside the UAE.9
YouTube: Supporting creative entrepreneurs in the UAE
In the UAE, YouTube is helping people build engaged communities around topics that matter to them, while developing personal brands and launching successful businesses. At the heart of YouTube’s impact are the creators who came to the platform to bring their passions to life. The experiences of creative entrepreneur and bold tastemaker Chef Shaheen and the leading Arab female gaming content creator, Rima Alosta, are a testament to YouTube’s importance.
UAE-based Chef Shaheen redefined what it means to be a chef and creative entrepreneur since launching his YouTube channel in 2017. His unconventional takes on traditional Iraqi dishes, street food experiments, and storytelling attracted over 3.4 million subscribers, building an active community of food enthusiasts. Chef Shaheen’s community and influence grew so much that he was able to bring his passion for Iraqi cuisine to his very own restaurant, Yaba, in 2022. Yaba has 72 employees and boasts an average of over 7,000 monthly visitors.
YouTube was the launchpad for everything. It gave me a direct line to people who connected with my cooking and storytelling. By the time I opened Yaba, there was already a community that trusted my vision. Every video, every behind-the-scenes moment built anticipation and loyalty.
Similarly, one of the first Arab women in the gaming content creation field is Rima Alosta, who captivates over 13 million subscribers across two channels through her unique storytelling. This new approach took the YouTube gaming world by storm. In 2018, Rima transitioned to full-time content creation, with her channels becoming her primary source of income. Building on this success and her growing expertise, she was able to also launch a successful content creation agency called Marketina in the UAE, which employs 6 people.
My dream was to show that women can truly reach the top in any field, and YouTube gave me the platform to not just prove it, but to build a thriving business along the way.
Together, Rima and Chef Shaheen’s journeys show YouTube’s contributions to not only the local creator economy but to the wider UAE economy.
Supporting local non-profits to enable communities through Google.org
Through Google’s philanthropic arm, Google.org, Google supports local social innovators and non-profits to make the most of the opportunity that technology brings and advance local communities. This support helps to boost overall economic growth, with Public First estimating that every $1 invested in the UAE’s digital ecosystem generates a $1.6 return for the wider economy.
Google.org applies Google’s innovation, research, and resources to promote progress and expand opportunity for everyone. Since 2019, Google.org has given more than $25 million to organisations across the MENA region, including more than $17 million in cash funding, $8 million in in-kind giving and 7,000 pro-bono hours of Google employee time.
Google.org’s activity focuses on three key areas:
Knowledge, Skills, & Learning:
Creating pathways for people to gain the technical and AI skills they need to thrive in the digital economy.
For example, with $1 million support from Google.org, Micromentor is scaling its digital mentorship platform to empower over 21,000 entrepreneurs across the region, contributing to the creation of 3,800 jobs and the retention of 3,200 jobs. Building on this success, Micromentor now aims to reach an additional 10,000 entrepreneurs over the next two years, contributing to the creation and retention of another 2,600 jobs. Google.org originally supported the launch and Arabic localisation of the platform in 2020, and also provided hands-on pro bono support for the organisation’s first open-source, low-bandwidth mobile application through a 6-month Google.org fellowship.
Scientific Progress:
Accelerating research and AI-enabled innovation for societal impact in collaboration with university partners and the academic research community.
For example, with $1 million in support from Google.org, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is developing e-ReWater: an AI-powered platform that uses satellite imagery and earth observation data to help MENA countries make better use of their treated wastewater. The platform will ultimately feature an interactive dashboard that maps where and how treated wastewater can be reused, particularly in agriculture, the sector that consumes the most water.
Stronger Communities:
Helping to build resilience online and in the places people live and work – promoting digital wellbeing, strengthening online safety, and supporting local communities.
For example, INJAZ Al-Arab, a non-profit organisation focused on business education and empowering the young minds of the MENA region to help them succeed in the global economy has received $1.5 million in funding from Google.org supporting multiple initiatives empowering over 160,000 youth with skills needed to thrive in the global economy, including with online safety skills. This online safety initiative grant has reached more than 50,000 students directly, 3,500 teachers who have access to an additional 140,000 students and nearly 1,000 parents across local communities in the MENA region.
This is just the beginning. In 2024, Ruth Porat launched the MENA Opportunity Initiative which included the announcement of Google.org’s planned contribution of $15 million between 2024 and the end of 2027 to help leverage technology – and particularly AI – to help solve some of humanity’s biggest challenges.
About the research
Google commissioned independent consultancy Public First to explore how Google’s innovations and products are helping communities, workers and businesses in the UAE, as well as the future potential of AI across the nation.
Public First conducted a survey of 1,110 online adults based in the UAE and a survey of 389 business leaders based in the UAE. These surveys were conducted in English and Arabic in March 2025. All results are weighted using Iterative Proportional Fitting, or ‘Raking’. The online adult results are weighted by age, gender, education level, and region to nationally representative proportions.
A full modelling methodology can be accessed here.
