Pakistan's Growing Opportunities in AI and IT with the UAE
Pakistan's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has highlighted significant prospects for collaboration between Pakistan and the UAE in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Technology (IT). He emphasized that the UAE is rapidly transforming into an AI-driven nation and has appointed a dedicated minister for AI, underscoring its commitment to this sector.
The ambassador noted that the UAE plans to inject approximately $100 billion into its economy over the next five to six years through AI initiatives. This investment aims to enhance various sectors, including governance, healthcare, tourism, and banking, by leveraging advanced AI technologies.
For Pakistan, this development presents a valuable opportunity. With a youthful population—60% of its citizens are young—Pakistan is well-positioned to contribute to and benefit from the UAE's AI and IT advancements. Currently, Pakistan's IT exports stand at $3.5 billion, with the UAE being the third-largest destination after the US and the UK. The ambassador believes that this figure can be significantly increased through strategic partnerships.
Recently, at the JITEX exhibition in Dubai, Pakistan was recognized as a tech destination, showcasing its capabilities in AI and IT. Over 11 Pakistani companies participated, forming agreements with international counterparts to highlight Pakistan's potential in the global economy.
Ambassador Tirmizi emphasized the importance of connecting Pakistani AI and IT firms with global partners, especially in the Gulf region. He highlighted institutions like NUST, LUMS, and FAST, which are producing world-class professionals in AI, as key contributors to this effort.
He also mentioned that Pakistani companies are already providing back-office support to several organizations in the UAE, including ITTISALAT and Dubai Islamic Bank. Building on these collaborations, there is potential to elevate partnerships to the AI level, significantly increasing business turnover. The ambassador expressed optimism about surpassing $1 billion in IT and AI exports to the UAE within the year.
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