UAE launches Arabic language AI model to top the regional race

• As Saudi Arabia and other regional players intensify their own AI initiatives, the Gulf is poised to become a vibrant hub of innovation, shaping the future of AI with a distinctly Arab perspective.
• ATRC reports that Falcon Arabic achieves performance levels comparable to models that are up to ten times larger, suggesting a more efficient and optimized approach to AI development.

The launch of the Falcon Arabic artificial intelligence (AI) model by the United Arab Emirates marks a significant milestone in the regional race to advance AI technologies within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The development underscores the UAE’s strategic ambition to position itself as a global leader in AI, leveraging its considerable financial resources and close technological partnerships, particularly with the United States.

As one of the world’s major oil exporters, the UAE has been proactive in diversifying its economy through targeted investments in cutting-edge technologies. Over the past several years, it has committed billions of dollars toward developing an AI ecosystem capable of rivaling global powerhouses.

The collaboration with the United States serves as a cornerstone of this strategy. Notably, during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the UAE, an AI agreement was announced that facilitates Emirati access to advanced AI semiconductors from American technology firms.

Focus on linguistic authenticity

The agreement not only exemplifies deepening bilateral ties but also provides the UAE with critical components that underpin next-generation AI systems.

Falcon Arabic, developed under the auspices of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), represents a major advancement tailored specifically for the Arabic-speaking world.

Unlike many AI models that rely on translated datasets, Falcon Arabic harnesses a high-quality, native Arabic dataset to better capture the richness and diversity of the language.

The focus on linguistic authenticity is fundamental in addressing the nuances, dialects, and cultural contexts unique to the Arab world. Impressively,

ATRC reports that Falcon Arabic achieves performance levels comparable to models that are up to ten times larger, suggesting a more efficient and optimized approach to AI development.

The ATRC’s release of Falcon H1 further reinforces the UAE’s commitment to innovation. This model reportedly surpasses competitors from global technology giants such as Meta and Alibaba, while reducing the computational power and specialised expertise traditionally needed to implement advanced AI systems.

Democratising AI technology

“Leadership in AI today transcends mere scale; it is about creating powerful, accessible, and universally usable tools. Such a philosophy aligns with the UAE’s broader vision to democratise AI technology and integrate it across various sectors, from government services to industry and education,” Faisal Al Bannai, ATRC’s secretary general, said.

Parallel to the UAE’s efforts, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is advancing its own ambitious AI agenda. During President Trump’s visit, AI emerged as a central theme in Saudi Arabia’s vision to become a regional hub for AI innovation.

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia launched a new company dedicated to developing and managing AI technologies, aiming to produce one of the world’s most potent multimodal Arabic large language models.

This illustrates a competitive yet collaborative environment within the Gulf, where neighbouring countries recognise AI’s transformational potential and strive to capitalise on it.