FNC proposes Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf AI hub at economic forum

The UAE's Federal National Council (FNC) has proposed the creation of a Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf artificial intelligence hub to boost investment, research and cooperation in one of the world's fastest-growing sectors.

The proposal was presented during the Fourth Marrakech Economic Parliamentary Forum, organised by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and Morocco's House of Councillors in partnership with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund parliamentary networks.

Speaking during a session on artificial intelligence investment, FNC member Dr Ahmed Al Mansouri said AI has become a major driver of the global economy, transforming industries, government services, healthcare, education and food security.

He said countries that invest in artificial intelligence are gaining a significant competitive advantage, while technological gaps are increasingly contributing to economic and development disparities between nations.

Al Mansouri highlighted the UAE's early adoption of artificial intelligence, noting that it was among the first countries to launch a national AI strategy, appoint a minister responsible for the sector and establish international partnerships to support its development.

He also pointed to the UAE-US Artificial Intelligence Campus in Abu Dhabi, describing it as a major milestone in the country's AI ambitions. The facility, with a planned capacity of five gigawatts, is expected to become the largest AI supercomputing complex outside the United States.

According to Al Mansouri, investments in artificial intelligence in the UAE exceeded AED543 billion during 2024 and 2025.

The proposed Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf AI hub would serve as a platform for research, investment, legislative cooperation and knowledge exchange, while supporting innovation, skills development and the responsible use of emerging technologies.

Al Mansouri said international cooperation will be essential to ensuring countries can benefit from technological advances and build more sustainable, competitive and innovation-driven economies.