The United Arab Emirates is positioning advanced technology as a core pillar of national sovereignty, linking innovation with economic resilience, security and long-term strategic independence as part of its transition toward a knowledge-based digital economy.
A key development in this direction is the launch of the UAE Advanced Technology Centre in collaboration with the Technology Innovation Institute and the World Economic Forum. The initiative reflects the country’s growing role in shaping global governance frameworks for emerging technologies, moving beyond technology adoption toward active participation in policy development and innovation leadership.
The centre focuses on areas including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, robotics and space-based financial technologies, supported by a flexible regulatory environment that encourages experimentation and accelerates the commercialisation of research. Institutions such as the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and innovation hubs like Masdar City continue to play a central role in translating research into practical applications.
Alongside innovation efforts, the UAE is also prioritising digital security, addressing risks associated with emerging technologies such as deepfakes and their potential impact on financial systems, public trust and national security. By integrating governance, ethical frameworks and international cooperation, the country is advancing a model of digital sovereignty that balances innovation with security and long-term stability.
