The Gulf Arab states are undergoing a strategic transformation by redirecting oil and gas revenues towards massive digital investments in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are leading this shift, marking a historic turning point for regional economies long reliant on petroleum and petrochemical industries.

According to recent data, the planned Gulf investments in AI and related technological infrastructure over the next four years amount to approximately $3.2 trillion, distributed as follows:

• Saudi Arabia: $600 billion, with an additional $20 billion invested at the LEAP 2025 conference alone, including $15 billion directly in AI. The Saudi Public Investment Fund also injected $10 billion to establish Humain, a company developing sovereign Arab AI models.
• UAE: Increased technology investments to $1.4 trillion, including $200 billion in new technologies, and launched the MGX investment fund worth $100 billion to support the AI ecosystem. It signed strategic partnerships exceeding 50 billion euros to build the largest AI data complex in Europe, headquartered in France.
• Qatar: Allocated about $1.2 trillion to build digital infrastructure and develop AI platforms, making it a major global investor in this field.

These investments focus on solid productive pillars integrated into a comprehensive industrial production model: ultra-capable data centers, massive digital storage networks, development of advanced semiconductor manufacturing, and construction of giant power plants.

The UAE inaugurated Stargate, the largest AI cluster outside North America, in partnership with tech giants like OpenAI and Nvidia, specialized in AI semiconductors. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is operating power centers to supply massive data centers with a target capacity of 2200 MW, supporting smart city projects such as “NEOM” and “The Line”.

Additionally, Gulf countries launched specialized digital platforms: the UAE launched TestAI to verify model accuracy, Quill to develop generative and conversational language capabilities with AI generators, and the “Million AI Talents” program to train local cadres until 2027. Saudi Arabia assigned the “SDAIA” authority to lead digital transformation and oversee the implementation of pioneering AI projects, especially in health, energy, finance, and education sectors.

Recognizing the need for a sound regulatory environment, Saudi Arabia adopted governance and legislation within its “Vision 2030” and the UAE within its “Strategy 2031,” following precedents set by Europe and America to ensure responsible technology use, data protection, and innovation promotion.

The radical shifts in Gulf government employment and investment choices are not merely about pumping money into digital projects but represent a complete reshaping of the economic model. 81% of major Gulf companies, whether government-owned or private, plan to increase their digital investments, while 72% of these entities see AI revenues becoming a key pillar of future income.

Saudi Arabia’s strategic economic goal is to enter the top 15 countries globally in AI indicators by 2030, while the UAE aims to be the global leader in the sector by 2031. Qatar views its massive AI investments as a step to strengthen its position as a major player in the global market.

In summary, the Gulf oil economies are currently experiencing a historic transformation: these countries are recycling oil surpluses into knowledge and technology investments exceeding $3.2 trillion, positioning themselves on the global AI map as key players not only in consumption but also in production and export. If these plans continue with the same momentum, the next decade may witness a new economic center of gravity shifting from black gold to “digital oil,” i.e., the production of AI services and infrastructure.