UAE tops global ranking in AI talent growth

In a post on X, Sheikh Saif highlighted findings from the 2026 Stanford AI Index Report, which placed the UAE at the top of a global list tracking AI talent concentration growth among LinkedIn members over a six-year period.

He said: “The UAE ranks first globally in the growth of AI talent concentration, at 121 per cent between 2019 and 2025.”

He added that the achievement reflects more than technological progress, describing it as the result of a long-term national vision focused on human capital development, talent attraction, and future readiness.

“This figure does not merely reflect technological advancement. It embodies a leadership vision that has made human development, talent attraction and future-making a deeply rooted national approach. The UAE does not wait for the future, it creates it,” he said.

The ranking comes as the United Arab Emirates continues to expand its investments in artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, and digital infrastructure, while also strengthening initiatives to attract highly skilled professionals and position itself as a global innovation hub.

According to the report, India followed closely with 120 per cent growth, while Saudi Arabia ranked third at 113 per cent. Cyprus recorded 112 per cent, and Portugal came in fifth with 111 per cent.

Other countries in the top ten included Indonesia (108 per cent), Brazil (107 per cent), Iceland (93 per cent), Uruguay (90 per cent), and Denmark (89 per cent), reflecting rapid global competition for AI talent between 2019 and 2025.