Building the Foundations for AI Deployment
While the world debates how far and fast AI should go, the
Gulf is focused on something more immediate: How do we put it to work?
Deployment is the priority. Across the region, governments
are building the compute, infrastructure, industrial capacity and ecosystems
needed to turn advanced technology into real-world growth.
- HUMAIN Cloud and KAUST university are
exploring access to Shaheen III high-performance computing, which ranked 64th
globally on TOP500’s June 2026 list of most powerful computer systems in the
world. Source
- Qatar tops Global AI Compute Competitiveness for
its capability to host large-scale artificial intelligence computing
infrastructure. Source
-
- The UAE Ministry of Industry andAdvanced Technology just launched Factory Forward – a programme to help
manufacturers adopt AI and Industry 4.0, combining funding, technology support
and expertise for manufacturers.
Source
When
Government Becomes a Market
The Gulf governments are establishing conditions to make AI
accessible to all industries and create demand.
Think:
Manufacturing | AI-powered production, digital twins
and industrial automation.
Energy | Smarter infrastructure, optimisation and
resource management.
Healthcare | Advanced computing, diagnostics and
personalised solutions.
Logistics | Autonomous operations and smarter supply
chains.
Agriculture | Precision farming and resource
efficiency.
Government | Smarter public services and data-driven
decision-making.
The Gulf is investing heavily in the infrastructure behind
the next technology cycle.
The UAE’s 2026 National Forum for SMEs, for example, made AED
2.445 billion in government contracts and tenders available to SMEs from
federal and local entities and national companies.
Where Can
Founders Plug In?
The Gulf is building the infrastructure. For
founders, that means more opportunities in access to compute, corporates,
government challenges, industrial customers and strategic markets.
Here’s some active initiatives you should keep in your
radar:
🇦🇪
Factory Forward UAE — Got an AI solution for industry? This initiative
is bringing together programmes supporting manufacturers in adopting AI and Industry
4.0. Learn more here.
🇦🇪
Global Water Award — $1M in prizes is on the table for innovations
tackling water security, with AI and ML among the technologies being
prioritised. Apply by 30
September.
🇦🇪
Hub71 Access — The programme is for established startups looking to
establish themselves in Abu Dhabi and offers AED 250,000 in-kind support +
AED 250,000 cash via SAFE, plus access to capital, corporates, mentors and
a Techstars-powered programme. Apply here.
🇴🇲 Omantel
Accelerator — The Omantel Accelerator is looking for post-MVP technology
startups working in areas including 5G, IoT, cybersecurity, big data, AI and
fintech. Applications close on 9 January 2027.
🇸🇦 Monsha'at
Enterprise Challenges — connect SME challenges with relevant Saudi
government entities. The service is free and responses are provided within 10
working days.
🇶🇦
QSTP Incubation Accelerator — access Qatar's technology ecosystem,
talent and investors. Apply
by 1 November.
Plug Into Your Next Opportunity
Across the GCC, governments are opening access to compute,
industrial capacity, challenges, funding and new markets.
For founders, the next move is finding the people who
can unlock it.
Expand North Star is where they converge.
Governments. Investors. Corporates. Founders. Technology
leaders.
One ecosystem. One marketplace to find the next customer,
investor or strategic partner.
EXPAND NORTH STAR 2026
Summit: 7 December — Dubai World Trade Centre
Expo: 8–10 December — Expo City Dubai
Get involved.