Opinion

Partnering for Progress: Searce's Commitment to the UAE's AI Vision

By
By
Subodh Deshpande

The United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s remarkable foresight in artificial intelligence (AI) has positioned it as a leading force in the global AI landscape. Bold strategies and substantial investments, recognised by Oxford Insights’ 2024 AI Readiness Index (ranking the UAE 13th globally and first in the Middle East), highlight the nation's commitment to AI-driven innovation. With Dubai at the heart of this transformative movement, Searce's establishment of its physical footprint and regional investments strategically aligns us with this visionary ecosystem, enabling us to contribute to the region's growth and strengthen our global footprint.

The UAE’s Vision for AI

The UAE’s commitment to AI is evident in its strategic initiatives. The country’s focus on AI-led innovation spans sectors such as healthcare, energy, and urban development. As an example, Abu Dhabi’s MGX investment firm, which has committed to spearheading $100 billion in advancements within AI and AI semiconductor technologies. This bold investment underscores the UAE's resolve to position itself as a global powerhouse in cutting-edge innovation.

These efforts are delivering tangible results. The UAE’s Falcon large language model has outperformed competitors from major tech players, while AI-driven smart city initiatives are reshaping urban planning, transportation, and public services. These projects, backed by significant funding, highlight the country’s determination to shape the future of technology.

Cities spurring innovation

Across the Middle East and within the UAE, we see more than just ambition - dynamic ecosystems for innovation are booming. In Dubai, where I am based, the city thrives on its ability to bring together startups, global enterprises, and government agencies to adopt AI at scale.

The UAE government has made significant strides in AI initiatives in 2025, focusing on key areas like healthcare, smart cities, and economic development. The launch of Jais, a cutting-edge Arabic Large Language Model, signifies a major leap in AI research and development. Additionally, initiatives like the Emirati Genome Program, which leverages AI for personalized medicine, and the development of smart city infrastructure. This includes autonomous transportation and AI-powered traffic management, demonstrating the UAE's commitment to harnessing AI for the betterment of society.

For Searce, Dubai provides an environment to drive major technological transformation. The active startup culture gives rise to fresh ideas, while enterprises and public institutions are using AI to improve services and deliver better outcomes. It’s a city where innovation and implementation go hand in hand.

There is significant opportunity in places outside of Dubai too. From Riyadh to Abu Dhabi, the Middle East is emerging as a new-age tech capital, spotlighted by the innovative cities leading the way.

How Searce Supports AI Adoption

Searce brings over 20 years of global expertise to help organizations in the UAE and across the Middle East discover the full potential of AI and data. We turn ideas into real, measurable outcomes and have delivered 500+ cloud projects and 200+ data and AI solutions globally.

Searce’s extensive global experience in implementing cutting-edge data and AI solutions enables us to adapt proven concepts to meet local challenges in the region. This tailored approach ensures that global best practices are seamlessly integrated with regional nuances, empowering businesses to thrive in a competitive landscape.

With a strong track record in sectors such as healthcare, BFSI, retail, logistics, and manufacturing, we’ve built a wealth of use cases that offer clear visibility into expected outcomes. This ensures that clients understand the value they’ll receive from day one.

Our approach centers on delivering predictable business results by combining a consultative mindset with technical precision and industry insight. Unlike many firms that overpromise and underdeliver, we focus on turning ideas into real-world impact. With our data and AI expertise, tailored solutions, and reusable IP, we streamline implementation timelines by 25–30%, helping clients see faster value and a quicker return on investment.

Searce's dedication to cutting-edge modern technology, combined with established partnerships with leading hyperscalers, ensures clients have access to the most advanced tools and resources. Expertise in seamless integration further empowers enterprises across the region to achieve their digital transformation goals.

Looking Ahead

As the Middle East continues its upward trajectory in AI adoption, Searce is proud to be part of this exciting journey, positioned in the thriving hub of Dubai. Our decision to establish a regional headquarters here reflects our confidence in the UAE’s vision and our commitment to supporting enterprises across the region.

By partnering with enterprises and government agencies, we aim to unlock new possibilities, deliver meaningful outcomes, and contribute to economies. Together, we are excited to build a future where AI transforms industries and improves lives.

Written by
January 23, 2025
Written by
Subodh Deshpande