The Rise of AI in the UAE: Opportunities and Challenges for Tech Workers

Dubai was abuzz with excitement as it hosted AI Week 2025, showcasing innovative technologies and signaling its ambition to become a leading AI hub. At the center of it all was Ameca, a humanoid robot, captivating the crowd with her smiles and blinks. This event was marked not only by awe-inspiring technological exhibitions but also by significant announcements, including a colossal $545 million hyperscale data center deal with Microsoft and the launch of Dubai’s first PhD program in AI.

The Pull of the Golden Visa

Among the attendees was Nair, a 29-year-old AI engineer who moved from Kerala, India, to the UAE just months prior. Like many other tech workers, she was drawn to Dubai’s enticing Golden Visa program, which offers ten years of residency to skilled professionals. With no personal income tax and high salaries, the UAE has emerged as a beacon for professionals seeking new opportunities. “Dubai is emerging as a global AI hub,” she said, reflecting on the innovations and possibilities she witnessed.

Attracting Global Talent

UAE’s increasing allure to tech professionals is evidenced by its ranking as the second largest magnet for top AI talent globally, trailing only the United States. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, confirmed that many foreign experts are now calling the UAE home. This shift positions the UAE not just as a regional player but as a formidable force in the global AI landscape.

Moreover, diplomatic ties have strengthened the UAE’s technological endeavors. During a recent visit from former President Donald Trump, the UAE secured access to advanced Nvidia chips critical for AI development and announced plans for an AI campus in collaboration with leading American tech companies. This development further integrates the UAE’s tech objectives with Western advancements.

The Changing Job Market Landscape

While opportunities in the UAE are thriving, the dynamics can prove challenging for tech workers, especially those from certain backgrounds. This year, over 50,000 tech jobs in the U.S. were lost amid shifting economic conditions. As opportunities in the West dwindle, the UAE’s job market becomes increasingly attractive.

However, Nair’s experience highlights a more complex picture; she frequently faces automatic rejections for jobs. "Companies want candidates with four to five years of experience for entry-level roles," she noted. This challenge is further exacerbated by a preference among employers to rely on referrals, making it harder for newcomers to break into the industry.

AI Firms in Abundance but Qualification Gaps Persist

The UAE is home to over 800 AI companies in Dubai and 400 in Abu Dhabi, with many planning to recruit in the coming year. However, a report by the UAE Ministry of Economy revealed an “abundance” of tech workers lacking qualifications for specialized roles, creating a paradox of high demand yet unmet skill requirements.

Approximately 95% of companies surveyed hire tech professionals from outside the Middle East, often relying on talent pools from countries like India and Ukraine. Vahid Haghzare, a local recruiter, noted a lack of domestic talent, further incentivizing the recruitment of professionals from abroad.

The Cultural Mosaic and Its Impact on Workers

The UAE serves as a global migration hub, attracting individuals from various backgrounds. While Western professionals are often drawn to the lucrative packages and luxurious lifestyle, Asian and Middle Eastern tech workers appreciate the blend of cultures. However, disparities exist in salary structures. Workers from developing nations frequently encounter a “citizenship penalty,” earning significantly less than their Western counterparts.

Expert Froilan Malit Jr. highlights that while opportunities abound in the UAE, many tech workers from the Global South are lured to the West for better pay and experience, often returning with enhanced qualifications.

Real Experiences: Life in the Tech Landscape

Jarkko Moilanen, an experienced AI professional from Finland, shared how he came to the UAE to assist in the region’s digital transformation. He cited the UAE’s commitment to innovation and its expansive plans for AI as key factors in his decision to settle long-term under the Golden Visa scheme. Alongside him, burgeoning entrepreneurs like Nidhima Kohli, originally from Luxembourg, are also finding success. Kohli’s startup, The AI Accelerator, reflects the region’s commitment to fostering new businesses that leverage AI.

Yet, for less experienced tech workers like Nair, the struggle remains. She has encountered numerous scams and exploitative job offers, which only complicate her pursuit of legitimate employment. Despite her frustrations, she maintains hope and sees potential for meaningful growth in the UAE’s vibrant AI sector.

The UAE’s AI landscape offers both immense opportunities and challenges. As the nation positions itself as a global leader, the experience of tech workers will be pivotal in shaping the future of innovation in the region.