AGP Executive Report

AI for Good: Emirates Foundation signed with the Responsible AI Future Foundation to scale “AI for good” use cases and build responsible, sovereign-ready AI skills across the region. Cloud & AI Investment: Microsoft pledged $10bn+ through 2030 for Middle East cloud, AI, digital resilience and cyber cooperation, with early focus on the UAE. UAE Education Tech: Khalifa University students will get AWS data training, while GEMS Education is rolling out AI “teacher twins” to spot struggling students earlier. Agentic AI Platform Update: Labarna AI says it has standardized every client on one current generation of its agentic platform to curb AI agent sprawl. Autonomous Driving Recognition: WeRide was named to Fortune’s Change the World 2026 list as the only autonomous driving company honored. Aviation & Energy Buildout: Tecnimont and ADNOC Gas broke ground on a $4.3bn Abu Dhabi gas project targeting 8m tonnes/year by 2030. Data Centre Risk: Howden warns UAE data centres face rising exposure to extreme weather, conflict and business interruption. Fintech & Payments: Microsoft’s UAE framework and PhonePe’s UAE central bank in-principle nod for payment licences keep regional fintech momentum moving. Space & Monitoring: Space42 begins a high-altitude wildfire monitoring mission in Spain, extending UAE space capabilities abroad.

Cloud & AI Investment: Microsoft plans to pour $10B+ into cloud and AI infrastructure across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait through 2030, with digital resilience and connectivity upgrades (including $400M for subsea/terrestrial links) at the core. UAE AI Governance: 20 countries plus the EU back a UNGA-launched push for global oversight of frontier AI models, with the UAE among signatories calling for human control and safety standards. Cyber Threats: A new report warns the UAE is a top target as cyberattacks rise across the region, driven by both politically motivated groups and financially driven criminals. Data & Trade Compliance: Abu Dhabi Customs and ADQCC sign an MoU to strengthen quality standards and exchange trade data via electronic channels. Visa Rules: The UAE publishes required documents for residency visas without employment, including extra paperwork for applicants from Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. Real Estate Safety: Abu Dhabi extends occupancy-certificate deadlines to Nov 30, with fines up to Dh1m for non-compliance. AI Infrastructure Reality Check: US data-center opposition is growing, highlighting the pressure hyperscalers face as AI compute demand accelerates.

Medical AI in the UAE orbit: FDA cleared Abdo-Triage, a radiology AI tool that flags 10 more CT findings (on top of 7 earlier ones) to help clinicians prioritize scans; the system is built by Harvard-linked founder Pranav Rajpurkar, with Dubai ties via his father’s Leap Fintech. UAE diplomacy meets tech: UAE FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed met foreign ministers at UNGA81, including France and others, with talks spanning AI, advanced tech, renewable energy and climate. Frontier AI governance: UN chief Guterres backed Finland-Norway’s “Call for Control of Frontier AI Models,” urging standards and verification as capabilities cross thresholds. UAE space & safety: Space42’s HAPS subsidiary Mira Aerospace began a Spain wildfire-monitoring mission with real-time video and infrared sensing, aiming for sustained emergency deployment. Cyber & sovereignty push: UAE’s du, QuantumGate and the UAE Cyber Security Council teamed up on post-quantum security. Digital economy win: UAE topped the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, highlighting progress in infrastructure, digital government and cybersecurity. AI infrastructure race: Alibaba Cloud plans new overseas cloud regions in Turkey, Finland and the Netherlands, and expands data centres including in the UAE. Health research: A long-term Denmark study links Type 2 diabetes with higher cancer risk, especially in women.

5G Upgrade in the UAE: du, with Nokia, has deployed what it calls the world’s first six-carrier aggregation on a live 5G-Advanced network, combining 420 MHz across multiple bands to boost capacity and speeds. Post-Quantum Security Push: du, QuantumGate and the UAE Cyber Security Council are collaborating on post-quantum security efforts. UAE Space Economy Focus: a new report highlights how UAE investment and missions are building momentum toward more resilient, data-sovereign space capabilities. Cybersecurity Showcase: GISEC Global 2026 wrapped in Dubai, spotlighting AI, digital sovereignty and quantum-era cyber resilience. AI in Education, UAE-linked: Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future Together” initiative adds major tech partners and includes Khalifa University via AWS training and coding clubs. Startup Compliance for the GCC: Nephos Group partnered with Brinc to bring compliance, structuring and tokenisation support to early-stage founders across the Gulf. Healthcare Leadership in Abu Dhabi: Forbes Middle East’s Healthcare Leaders Summit opened in Abu Dhabi, with a focus on defining global standards in healthcare excellence.

AI Regulation Push: 20 countries plus the EU, including the UAE, backed a UNGA-linked call to keep frontier AI under human direction, oversight and control, with proposals for shared standards and possible verification via a new international institution. UAE Payments Expansion: PhonePe received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of the UAE for two payment licences (Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes; Stored Value Facilities), with final approval needed before launch and plans to support UAE domestic rails. Autonomous Robotics for Food: Circus SE began commercial operations in the UAE from Abu Dhabi, partnering with Royal Prestige Food Contracts to build locally sourced autonomous AI robotics infrastructure for food production, with Dubai next. Smart Mobility at ATM: Eurogulf Mobility showcased AI-supported booking and service agents and new smart mobility offerings at ATM 2026, aligning with “Travel 2040” themes. Hospitality Investment Shift: Future Hospitality Summit discussions highlighted wellness and longevity as a growing driver for hospitality investment, positioning preventative healthcare as a core asset class. Cyber/Tech Talent & Security: UAE-linked items included cybersecurity skills initiatives and broader focus on AI-ready security, reflecting fast-moving digital risk priorities. Business & Tech Finance: Paymob closed a $35m pre-Series C co-led by Mubadala and EBRD to expand MENA payments infrastructure, while Empower announced a $119.13m interim dividend for H1 2026.

UAE Cybersecurity & AI Talent: Meta and the UAE Cyber Security Council launched Wearables Studio UAE at GISEC Global 2026 to train students and startups building AI-powered wearable apps, with security and privacy built in from day one. National Cyber Defense: Cyble signed an MoU with the UAE Cyber Security Council to plug threat intelligence into the national framework, aiming for better visibility and proactive defense. Digital Identity: A new global look at digital ID shows how UAE-style mobile credentials are spreading, but with no single model worldwide. Health Tech in Dubai: Parkin rolled out paid parking at Rashid Hospital with free options for patients and eligible groups, using smart parking tech to cut congestion. Climate Reporting in Abu Dhabi: EAD issued a framework for greenhouse gas emissions verification, setting rules for accredited verifiers and audited climate data. Crime Prevention Roadmap: The UAE will unveil the Abu Dhabi Declaration at the UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, focusing on tech-driven crime and AI-enabled justice. Business & Events: Global Food Week 2026 in Abu Dhabi is expanding with a new B2B + consumer model, while Sharjah’s University Majors Exhibition opens with an interactive “Miqyas” skills assessment.

Urban Liveability: Abu Dhabi’s DMT says its liveability push is behind an EIU Global Liveability Index jump, using a “Liveability Design Framework” to shape walkability, mobility links, shaded public spaces, and comfort-focused details from the earliest planning stages. Leadership & Governance: Dubai readies the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum (MBRL) with 1,000 leaders from Sept 23, spotlighting future government, tech-enabled operating models, and leadership practices. Aesthetic Tech in Healthcare: TRIANGEL showcased its FDA-cleared, CE-certified aesthetic laser portfolio at Dubai Derma, targeting non-surgical face lifting and tissue remodeling with minimal downtime. Cyber & Critical Infrastructure: A report warns AI is lowering the bar for attacks on power grids and water plants, with AI-assisted exploit scripts aimed at internet-exposed industrial control systems. Energy Tech & Industry Events: ADIPEC 2026 returns to Abu Dhabi Nov 2–5, focusing on resilient, intelligent energy systems as AI demand grows. Digital Finance & UAE Expansion: SICO Wealth appoints Ahmed Burashid as CEO ahead of its ADGM launch, aiming at multi-asset wealth solutions for GCC clients. Global Tech & Mobility: XPeng AeroHT signs with Ras Al Khaimah to build an advanced air mobility regulatory sandbox.

Air Mobility Regulation: XPeng AeroHT signed a strategic cooperation with Ras Al Khaimah to build an advanced air mobility regulatory sandbox under the UAE’s GCAA, including planning for an inter-emirate flying-car route linking Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. Cyber & Data Risk: Amazon AWS says customer data in Bahrain and the UAE was permanently lost after Iranian strikes, with service access not fully restorable in affected regions. 6G Push: TDRA, e& UAE, Khalifa University and NYU Abu Dhabi published “The Golden 6 GHz Band” white paper to move the U6GHz “golden band” into commercial use and enable faster, higher-capacity connectivity. Energy Tech & Industry: Lamprell won a $1.8bn-plus EPCI role in ADNOC Offshore’s Umm Shaif Gas Cap project, boosting UAE offshore engineering capacity. AI in Government: The UAE Artificial Intelligence Office highlighted agentic AI plans to upgrade government operations and services. Startups & Funding: Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy ran a pitching session with Oraseya Capital to fund seven digital startups via its SANDBOX Investment Program. Sustainability: Emirates Biotech and UAEU launched a pilot plant in Al Ain to turn food waste and compostable packaging into biogas and compost. Education Pathways: UAE Ministry of Education and Dubai Municipality agreed to create Grade 10-to-Grade 12 professional and technical education pathways for Emiratis.

UAE Rare Disease push: The UAE Rare Disease Society says the country won the bid to host the International MPS Network (IMPSN) Conference in 2028, positioning the event as a boost for rare-disease care, research and international collaboration. Healthcare leadership in Abu Dhabi: Forbes Middle East’s 5th Healthcare Leaders Summit will run in Abu Dhabi on Sept 22–23 with 3,000+ participants and 100+ speakers, backed by PureHealth. Wildlife monitoring tech: Dub Dev Technology’s “Mghzlan Smart Feeder” uses AI computer vision and solar-powered IoT to process 15M images a year, identify animals, and automatically adjust feed quantities remotely. Space collaboration: NASA’s Amit Kshatriya praised “incredible” cooperation with ISRO and flagged more joint work, citing the NISAR Earth-sensing mission. Digital credentials in Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi’s Digital Skills Card uses blockchain-verified records so employers and regulators can quickly confirm professional qualifications via QR. AI + healthcare insurance: PureHealth launched an AI-powered solution to streamline access to healthcare services for Daman members. UAE cybersecurity/AI governance: The UAE Cyber Security Council and Higher Education Ministry rolled out the CYBRANI initiative, adding to national efforts to strengthen cyber readiness. UAE smart mobility: Singapore-UAE team Kinetiz won an autonomous car race in Italy on its third attempt, showing progress in real-world self-driving systems.

Cybersecurity & AI Skills: The UAE Cyber Security Council and the Higher Education Ministry launched CYBRANI at GISEC Global 2026, offering university students hands-on training, mentorship and industry exposure with partners including Abu Dhabi Police, Core42 and Fortinet. Digital Sovereignty: Core42 and TII doubled down on UAE-developed digital sovereignty and cybersecurity collaboration, while Seclore pushed data-centric protection at GISEC Global 2026. Smart Mobility & Energy: Beam Global and Masdar City Free Zone explored smart-energy and clean-mobility integration, and Dubai Police adopted a 2040 traffic vision putting AI and road safety at the core. Aviation & Talent: Sharjah International Airport Authority highlighted Emirati women’s leadership across 77.78% of national leadership roles. Culture Meets Tech: Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi opened the Sharjah Booksellers Conference with 912 publishers/distributors from 99 countries, focusing on e-commerce, digital marketing and demand analysis. UAE-India Innovation: A UAE-India programme saw 25 project ideas submitted, with winners mentored by IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi.

UAE–India Strategic Ties: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed spoke with PM Narendra Modi by phone, agreeing to deepen cooperation across energy, defence, technology, investment and health. Food Tech & Security: Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC opened registration for Global Food Week 2026 and the Global Food Security Summit (Oct 6–8), adding a “Shop at the Show” platform for direct exhibitor sales. Media Skills in Dubai: Dubai Media launched a new Media Pioneer Program cohort for Emirati journalists, while Dubai Press Club signed deals with Dubai Media Academy and MONIIFY to boost training and content-creator support. Cyber & AI Security Push: Core42 and TII expanded UAE digital sovereignty and cybersecurity collaboration, as GISEC Global wrapped with a focus on AI security and quantum resilience. Energy Infrastructure Planning: Engineers India Limited said it’s in talks with the UAE and Saudi Arabia on West Asia projects to bypass the Strait of Hormuz via pipelines, terminals and storage. Consumer Tech: Solid-state batteries are now reaching UAE shoppers, and Apple Watch Series 12 is landing in the market with new sensing hardware and faster charging.

UAE–India Strategic Ties: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed called PM Modi on his 76th birthday, discussing deeper cooperation across energy, defence, technology, investment and health. UAE–Korea Fintech Push: Hanwha Finance expanded cooperation with Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem via ADIO and ADGM, aiming to connect markets through its “Digital Asset Silk Road” vision. Aviation & AI Governance: UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority chief said AI can transform civil aviation, but needs clear governance and regulation, during the China Air Transport Association conference in Beijing. Ras Al Khaimah Advanced Air Mobility: RAKTA and the RAK Department of Civil Aviation signed with Aridge (XPeng Aeroht) to develop, test and implement advanced air mobility solutions, including an emirate test zone. Cyber Risk Watch: A Gulf-wide report flagged the UAE as the top target for cyberattacks in H1 2026, with human error and conflict-driven activity driving incidents. Media Skills in Dubai: Dubai Media launched a new Media Pioneer cohort to train Emirati journalists through an immersive newsroom programme. AI in Education: Napster partnered with GEMS Education to test AI agents in Dubai schools, including digital teacher pilots and classroom simulations.

Cybersecurity & AI Skills: UAE Cyber Security Council and Fortinet launched a cybersecurity internship programme (Cyberani) to build Emirati talent, while Microsoft and CPX expanded the “She Protects” women-in-cyber cohort at GISEC Global, and Help AG/e& rolled out “Quantum 360” for quantum-safe security readiness. AI in Education: ADEK pushed AI literacy across 170+ private schools, with a framework covering AI concepts, critical use, building AI solutions, and responsible governance. Deepfake Defence: Dubai unveiled SARAAB, an open-source AI model to detect deepfake videos, as UAE cyber leaders urged the public to double-check AI-driven scams. Sustainable Data Infrastructure: Emirates Group is moving data-centre operations to Moro Hub, a solar-powered facility, aiming for clean-energy power at scale. UAE Tech & Society: UAE firms face “the real AI test” beyond pilots, and experts warned that human error—not AI—is the top cyber risk. Local Tech & Mobility: Dubai announced a new 80km 12-lane motorway corridor to cut congestion and improve safety.

UAE Air Defence Expansion: EDGE Group and Hanwha signed a term sheet in Abu Dhabi to build an integrated UAE air defence network, adding South Korea’s L-SAM and more M-SAM capabilities plus K239 Chunmoo rocket systems, with local joint ventures and phased production. Cloud Resilience Shock: AWS confirmed permanent data loss after Iranian strikes damaged Bahrain and a UAE zone, saying some resources hosted exclusively in affected areas can’t be restored. Cybersecurity AI Push: The UAE Cyber Security Council and Open Innovation AI launched a specialised cybersecurity AI model for tasks like secure code analysis, vulnerability work, incident investigation and defence reasoning, while GISEC Global sessions warned about AI-driven OT and digital twin attacks. Agentic AI for Government: A UAE delegation is visiting the US to explore agentic AI applications for government services, aligned to the 50% transformation target within two years. AI Media Readiness: UAE media officials urged faster, verified communication and stronger public awareness as deepfakes and AI-made content make misinformation harder to spot. Health Tech Research: NYU Abu Dhabi researchers reported a promising new antibiotic, rhabdobranin, active against drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Education & AI Literacy: ADEK is rolling out AI literacy across 170+ private schools, moving students from screen-free thinking to responsible AI governance and by Grade 12 toward designing AI systems. Travel Tech & Trade: ATM 2026 in Dubai drew buyers from 115+ countries and highlighted tech-led tourism growth, including the new Visit UAE unified brand.

UAE Health & Tourism: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism teamed up with Healthy Living to push healthier food choices across hotels and tourism venues, using evidence-informed guidance and menu requirements. Destination Growth Tech: Dubai-based Reach MENA rebranded as TruReach, expanding its travel-demand intelligence and destination diagnostics platform for ministries, airlines, hotels and brands. Tokenisation in Finance: Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange partnered with DFNS to build digital wallet infrastructure for tokenised and on-chain products, aiming to speed issuance and trading of digital assets. Cybersecurity Threats: UAE cyber chief Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti said the country faced 640,000 attacks in a day, with Iran’s IRGC behind many, and warned AI is accelerating attacks. Air Defense Cooperation: EDGE and Hanwha signed a term sheet to expand UAE integrated air defense cooperation, including L-SAM, M-SAM and Chunmoo MRLS, with possible local production. Global FinTech Spotlight: Dubai topped the world for FinTech in the Global Financial Centres Index, reinforcing DIFC’s push for future finance. Media & AI: Arab Media Summit wrapped in Dubai as AI spending in MENA media is forecast to hit $520m in 2026, with the UAE leading the region’s spend. Etihad Ground Handling: Etihad and Swissport expanded their partnership to cover 40 airports worldwide, boosting ground handling and cargo services. Energy Event: Middle East Energy 2026 concluded in Dubai with 39,000+ attendees, spotlighting power, storage and efficiency for the region’s energy transition.

Cybersecurity & AI Readiness: UAE experts warn that 2026 threats are getting more AI-driven, from phishing and deepfakes to ransomware and DDoS, pushing organisations to build lasting in-house cyber capability—not just tools. Post-Quantum Security: UAE is preparing for the “harvest now, decrypt later” risk as quantum advances, with national work on post-quantum cryptography and awareness/training. GISEC Global 2026: Dubai hosts the expanded MENA cybersecurity event, bringing global leaders to tackle AI-enabled attacks and protect critical infrastructure. Observability for Enterprises: DataX Solution becomes Grafana Cloud’s authorised distributor across the Middle East, Africa and India, aiming to help UAE and regional firms unify metrics, logs and traces. Energy & Industry Tech: IER MRO starts construction on its Dubai South engine MRO facility, adding AI-enabled operations and major overhaul capacity. Sustainability Policy: Dubai Municipality rolls out an Existing Buildings Greening Guide to cut energy/water use and emissions. Residency Incentives: UAE introduces a 10-year Blue Residency for foreigners with standout environmental impact, plus new categories for eligibility. Social Media Crackdown: MoHRE shuts down about 200 unlicensed domestic-worker recruitment accounts, using monitoring and AI to spot illegal activity. Cloud Damage Update: Amazon says Iranian strikes caused permanent data loss in parts of its Bahrain and UAE regions.