The United Arab Emirates is increasingly exporting artificial intelligence systems originally developed for its own government operations to countries around the world, as industry leaders warn that companies failing to adopt AI could struggle to remain competitive.
Speaking at the Private Sector Leaders and Decision Makers Forum hosted by Abu Dhabi Chamber, executives from Presight and Dell Technologies said AI is now deeply embedded in modern decision-making, from trade and logistics to public safety, and is being deployed at scale across multiple regions.
Magzhan Kenesbai, Chief Growth Officer at Presight, said the company is already working with governments across Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe. “We service multiple governments around the world,” he said, noting that systems first developed in Abu Dhabi are now being used internationally. “We service 14 countries internationally, in Kazakhstan, in Albania, and others.”
Kenesbai said one of the core strengths of these systems is their ability to integrate vast amounts of data into a single platform that supports real-time decision-making. “What we’ve done is unify millions of data sets from ports, customs, supply chains and give you the best way to come forward in order for you to make decisions,” he said.
These AI-driven platforms are being used to streamline trade operations by improving route planning, processing documentation and responding quickly to disruptions. Similar technology is also being applied in emergency response systems. “What used to take hours can now be done in seconds,” Kenesbai said, referring to systems that coordinate police, ambulance and hospital services using live data.
Hani Khalaf, Chief Technology Officer at Dell Technologies, highlighted the growing importance of data sovereignty as organisations adopt AI. “True sovereignty is when your infrastructure is fully under your control,” he said, adding that systems must be capable of operating independently if required.
Khalaf also pointed to a shift in how decisions are made within organisations. “You need to think of AI and embedding it in your work,” he said, stressing the move away from instinct-based approaches toward data-driven strategies.
Both speakers said the rapid growth in AI investment is changing expectations for businesses. “I don’t think that any organisation can have continuity without AI,” Kenesbai said, warning that companies without a clear strategy “are becoming outdated.”
He added that AI is no longer a standalone tool but an integral part of operations. “If you have not started with AI yet, you’re behind,” he said, describing it as a core layer that will become inseparable from organisations.
At the same time, barriers to entry are falling. Kenesbai noted that increasingly accessible tools mean that “everyone can create platforms or solutions from their phone,” highlighting how quickly the technology is spreading.
As UAE-developed systems gain international traction, the message from industry leaders is clear: AI adoption is no longer optional but essential for organisations seeking to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving global economy.
