The United Arab Emirates has made a significant step in the regional artificial intelligence field by launching Falcon Arabic, an advanced Arabic-language AI model announced at the 2024 “Make it in the Emirates” forum. His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai’s announcement demonstrates the UAE’s ambition to lead the Gulf’s rapidly expanding AI environment. Falcon Arabic, developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, seeks to provide millions of Arabic speakers with cutting-edge generative AI capabilities.
This innovative approach not only solves Arabic’s long-standing under-representation in global AI platforms, but also improves the language’s visibility in digital areas such as government services, education, media, and commercial communication. With over 400 million Arabic speakers globally, this launch emphasises the need of language inclusion in technological growth.
The UAE’s plan comes at a time when Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are making significant investments in AI infrastructure and innovation. Falcon Arabic stands apart by providing strong cultural and linguistic congruence, encouraging authenticity in AI outputs, and reinforcing regional identity.
Beyond technology, this launch exemplifies the UAE’s strategic use of AI as a soft power tool for increasing diplomatic reach, attracting global talent, and setting ethical norms in the evolving AI ecosystem.
