Google has announced the AI Opportunity Initiative for the Middle East and North Africa, marking its largest AI effort in the region. This initiative seeks to deliver critical AI skills, research funding, and access to AI tools.
Google.org, the philanthropic branch of Google, plans to invest $15 million by 2027 to ensure AI opportunities are accessible to everyone in the region.
The Economist Impact research has found AI technologies could contribute $320 billion to MENA’s economy by 2030. Google’s move is part of the drive to boost AI and digital literacy to compete in an AI-driven economy.
Building on its commitment since 2018, Google aims to empower half a million people in the next two years with vital AI skills.
The initiative includes educational programmes, AI research and development programmes, AI-powered enhancements to Google’s AI tools to support Arabic-speaking users and investment in regional cloud infrastructure, such as the partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to expand AI capabilities.
“Google’s long-standing investments in the Middle East and North Africa have helped equip people and organisations with the connectivity, innovation and skills required to thrive in the global digital economy,” said Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer for Alphabet and Google at the AI Connect event in Dubai.
“AI is estimated to contribute $320 billion in economic growth for the Middle East by 2030, and Google is working to ensure that people and communities throughout the region have the skills needed to capture the upside of this emerging technology.”
Last year, Google’s products contributed $12.8 billion in economic activity in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with projections to reach $14.2 billion in 2024.
