UAE Minister of State Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri announced “a new approach to AI for development” at the G20 leaders’ summit held in Johannesburg, stating that the initiative will bring AI technology into sectors including education, healthcare, and climate-change preparedness.

“We value AI as the industry of the future, and we see it as the foundation of humanity’s tomorrow. That is why our country is accelerating innovation to increase productivity and advance the global economy. We are strongly committed to promoting inclusive and responsible AI for the benefit of all people worldwide.”

The UAE is one of the countries that have invested heavily in Africa. Trade between the UAE and Africa reached $107 billion in 2024, an increase of 28% compared to the previous year, and its investment in Africa between 2020 and 2024 exceeded $118 billion.

Abu Dhabi is investing heavily in AI, including building one of the world’s largest hubs for companies working with data-centre technology supported by American innovations.

The UAE is not a G20 member, but it was invited to the summit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is hosting the meeting for the first time on the African continent.