The United Arab Emirates is preparing to launch AI models inspired by DeepSeek.
Gulf country bets on Artificial Intelligence as a strategy to diversify its economy, following the example of the Chinese platform.
247 - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) plans to launch its own Artificial Intelligence (AI) models inspired by DeepSeek, a Chinese platform that has been gaining relevance in the sector. This information was confirmed to [source missing]. AFP The initiative was described by the UAE's presidential advisor on advanced technologies, Faisal al Banai, as "fantastic news".
The Emirates, which have already launched the open-source learning language (LLM) Falcon model, have been betting on technology as part of a strategy to diversify their economy, traditionally dependent on fossil fuel extraction. During the World Government Summit in Dubai, Banai highlighted the importance of DeepSeek's arrival on the market, emphasizing that its proposal to offer services similar to those of American giants for a fraction of the cost has caused an "earthquake" in the financial sector.
"What happened with DeepSeek is further proof that small teams and agile countries can act quickly and make an impact," he said. "We are learning from what they demonstrated. We are taking note and will launch other models."
Banai also highlighted that the wealth of the Emirates, coupled with its ability to attract talent and make quick decisions, could position the country as a leader in the AI sector. He made his statements on the same day that US Vice President JD Vance warned against the risk of "over-regulation" in the sector.
"It's an illusion to think that any country can regulate AI, because if you regulate, someone else isn't regulating," Banai argued. "When it comes to AI, I think regulation needs to focus on the few areas that matter, without stifling growth."
The UAE's initiative reflects a global trend of investment in AI, with several countries vying for a leading role in the technological race and seeking alternatives to the monopolies established by American companies.

