AI is Moving from Exploration to Returns, Led by the UAE
Sharjah Investment Forum Highlights How Strategic Regulations and Infrastructure Are Driving Measurable ROI and Capital in the UAE
16/10/2026
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence in the UAE is progressing beyond mere experimentation and hype, gaining tangible support from investors and founders who favour technologies that yield measurable business results over speculative future gains.
This sentiment was echoed at the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026), where stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and tech leaders, highlighted the UAE's strategic positioning in the global AI economy.
The nation’s success is attributed to a combination of conducive regulations, advanced digital infrastructure, and an openness to large-scale adoption of emerging technologies.
Speed & ROI: How the UAE is Driving MENA’s AI Transformation
Participants noted a significant evolution in the region's AI landscape, with advancements shifting from pilot projects to practical applications that enhance productivity, bolster sales, and secure investments.
CEO of the UAE-based startup Ayan, Pablo Charron, emphasised that AI's effectiveness should be measured by commercial outcomes rather than technical prowess alone. His firm helps brands analyse how AI assistants affect consumer purchasing behaviour.
Besides, Charron believes the UAE is uniquely positioned to realise these benefits, stating, “Leaders here decide fast, and AI is already part of how the country runs every day.” He added that decision-makers are already convinced of AI's significance and are focused on understanding its transformative effects on the market.
The investment landscape in the Middle East and North Africa shows a notable emphasis on returns, as evidenced by significant capital inflows. In the first half of 2026, AI and AI-enabled companies garnered $678 million, marking an 81% increase from the previous year, with the UAE representing 93% of this total.
Furthermore, the UAE's aspirations were reinforced by a recent cabinet decision to implement agentic AI for half of its government services within the next two years.
UAE Leverages Trust to Lead the AI Economy
Industry leaders highlight that AI is transforming various sectors, including finance, healthcare, media, and marketing. Founder of Triliv Holdings, Jigar Sagar, notes that the acceleration in AI adoption stems from organisations recognising its tangible value when applied to real problems.
He stresses that traditional sectors like financial services, education, and healthcare are rapidly adapting to AI, which will significantly alter societal functions.
Notably, the effects of AI on content creation are significant. Founder and CEO of Aeos, Varun Mayya, indicated that AI has dramatically reduced production costs, with rates dropping from approximately $1,000 to $50 per hour for content creation.
His company now leverages AI to produce around 2,000 videos monthly. However, Mayya cautioned that technology alone is insufficient for success, underlining that while AI facilitates product creation, it does not address distribution challenges.
Likewise, he remarked on the importance of audience engagement, asserting that “the owner of the audience wins” in the context of scarce attention.
Others contend that the UAE's advantage goes beyond technological advancements. The secretary general of the Dubai Digital Asset Association, Saqr Ereiqat, highlighted the nation's early investments in establishing the necessary foundations for a digital economy.
Ultimately, he noted that the UAE is only at the beginning of the curve regarding an AI-powered digital economy, stating, “Trust is the new currency, and the UAE is using it to attract capital and talent.”