The UAE’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) market is on track to reach a record Dh170 billion ($46.3 billion) by 2030, according to new research from global consultancy Grand View Research (GVR), solidifying the nation’s position as a key driver of the region’s AI revolution.

The study projects that the MENA AI market, valued at Dh43.7 billion ($11.9 billion) in 2023, will surge nearly 15-fold to Dh610 billion ($166.3 billion) by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 44.8%.

“The Middle East, and especially the UAE, is no longer just an adopter of global AI technologies – it’s shaping its own playbook,” said Swayam Dash, Managing Director at Grand View Research. 

“Sovereign funds, innovation hubs, and forward-thinking policies like the UAE’s Strategic Plan 2031 are turning the region into a global testbed for AI-driven growth.”

Nearly three in four UAE companies have maintained or increased AI investments this year, particularly in healthcare, logistics, and finance. The report highlights that AI in Healthcare is expected to grow from Dh709 million in 2023 to Dh5.39 billion by 2030, while legal AI is forecast to triple to Dh446 million in the same period.

GVR’s findings underline that the UAE is now leading real-world AI integration across smart cities, urban mobility, and public services, supported by advancements in 5G, cloud, and IoT technologies.

The full Grand View Research MENA AI Market Report details how policy, data, and innovation are converging to shape one of the world’s most dynamic digital economies.

We’ve all been there, out at a cafe, waiting at the airport, or shopping at a mall, when that “Free Wi-Fi” sign pops up, and we instinctively connect. But Dubai Police are warning residents to think twice before logging on.

Public Wi-Fi networks, while convenient, can be a playground for hackers, especially when used for sensitive tasks like online banking or logging into personal accounts.

The Hidden Dangers Behind Free Wi-Fi

According to Dubai Police, many public networks are unsecured, meaning anyone nearby could intercept your data. Hackers can sneak in through these connections to:

• Steal passwords and personal information
• Install malware or spyware on your device
• Access sensitive files or financial details

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has echoed this warning, revealing that more than 12,000 cyber breaches in 2025 were linked to public Wi-Fi, roughly 35 per cent of all cyberattacks in the country this year.

What You Should Never Do on Public Wi-Fi

• Log in to your bank account or make online payments
• Share or change passwords
• Access sensitive company data

Smart Habits to Stay Protected

1. Use mobile data or a trusted private network for any sensitive work.
2. Verify the network’s name; fake hotspots often mimic legitimate ones.
3. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection.
4. Enable safe browsing features on your browser.
5. Keep software and antivirus tools updated.

For Businesses Too

Organisations are also urged to tighten cybersecurity. A single data breach could lead to legal liabilities, reputational damage, and financial penalties.

That free Wi-Fi may cost you more than you think. As Dubai Police put it, stay alert, stay secure, and think before you connect.

Dubai just took another leap toward the future of urban living. The city has officially launched a new drone delivery route in Nad Al Sheba, allowing drones to deliver food orders from restaurants and cafés at Avenue Mall straight to residents living near Nad Al Sheba Grand Mosque.

The pilot service is a collaboration between the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), and Keeta Drone. The first successful delivery was completed during the launch ceremony, led by Mohammed Abdullah Linjawy, Director General of the DCAA.

The move marks a major step in Dubai’s plan to become a global leader in smart transportation and air logistics, combining sustainability, speed, and innovation.

Smart, fast, and sustainable

The Nad Al Sheba route is part of Keeta Drone’s growing delivery network, which already operates four routes in Dubai Silicon Oasis. The company plans to extend coverage to Business Bay and Jumeirah, as part of Dubai’s long-term goal to connect up to 30% of the city by 2026, and eventually 70 per cent within five years.

The use of Nad Al Sheba Grand Mosque as a collection point is particularly symbolic, showing how community landmarks can become hubs for smart city services.

How drones will change your deliveries

This new route isn’t just futuristic,  it’s practical.

• Less traffic: Drones fly above the roads, helping cut down on delivery vans and easing congestion.
• Faster deliveries: Orders can reach customers in under 30 minutes, bypassing traffic lights and road delays.
• Greener operations: Fully electric drones mean zero fuel use and lower carbon emissions.
• Smarter logistics: Drones handle smaller, quicker deliveries, freeing human drivers for bigger tasks.

With strict safety and regulatory oversight from the DCAA, the drone programme is poised to transform how Dubai eats, shops, and moves, one airborne delivery at a time.