United Arab Emirates Joins U.S. and China in Sharing Artificial Intelligence Technology
By Cade Metz, The New York Times, September 9, 2025
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step forward in the global race for artificial intelligence dominance by openly sharing its own AI technology, joining the ranks of major players like the United States and China. The Persian Gulf nation’s newly established research lab has released an open-source AI model aimed at competing with leading systems developed by OpenAI in the U.S. and DeepSeek in China.
Emirati Lab Launches Open-Source AI Model
On Tuesday, the UAE’s Institute of Foundation Models announced the release of its first open-source AI model, named K2 Think. According to the lab, K2 Think performs on par with other prominent open-source AI technologies, meeting standard benchmarks often used to evaluate such systems. This move aligns with similar efforts from Chinese companies, which have aggressively shared their AI technologies over the past year in an attempt to compete with U.S.-based firms like OpenAI and Google.
OpenAI itself recently released two open models to foster a more level playing field among developers and businesses worldwide, prompting wider access to cutting-edge AI tools. The UAE’s new contribution highlights the country’s ambition to establish itself as a significant force in the AI sector.
Growing AI Ambitions in the Gulf and Beyond
The UAE is not alone in its AI aspirations. Other nations, including Saudi Arabia and Singapore, are investing billions of dollars into AI research facilities and data centers, underscoring the belief that artificial intelligence is a crucial technology for national development. These countries strive to cultivate their own AI capabilities rather than rely solely on technologies developed by the U.S. or China.
Eric Xing, president of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence—which operates the Emirati lab—emphasized the importance of this strategy, stating, “A.I. will not be monopolized by just a few countries. We are trying to build a foundation for research and development and sovereignty of intellectual creativity in this country.”
Strategic Partnerships and Controversies
The Emirati AI model was developed utilizing data centers run by G42, an Emirati technology firm. Notably, G42 was provided with over 10,000 computer chips sourced from the United States through a deal made during the Trump administration, highlighting a complex web of international cooperation and competition in AI technology.
The release of K2 Think is likely to spark debate in Washington, where concerns about the transfer of advanced technology persist amid strategic rivalry. Nonetheless, the UAE’s move signals an increasing diversification of AI innovation hubs worldwide, breaking what was once seen as a duopoly dominated by American and Chinese entities.
Conclusion
With the launch of its open-source AI model, the United Arab Emirates has firmly positioned itself as a new player in the global artificial intelligence field. By openly sharing K2 Think, the UAE joins a growing number of nations determined to chart their own course in AI, reflecting the broader recognition that the technology’s future will be shaped by multiple global contributors.
Photos: The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming a pivotal center for AI research. Credit: Katarina Premfors for The New York Times.
