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AI for GCC – Sunday Edition
AI for GCC – Sunday Edition
Good morning and happy Sunday.
This week the Gulf region took significant steps forward in the global AI race. From Abu Dhabi’s launch of K2 Think, a low-cost reasoning model, to new pacts on digital policy, sustainable data centres, reskilling initiatives, and sovereign AI adoption, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are making AI part of their national identity.
Why this matters for the Gulf
The news in this edition shows how the region is moving from being a consumer of AI technology to a creator and policymaker. With local innovation, regional cooperation, and sovereign control, the Gulf is setting the stage for a more independent, secure, and competitive digital future.
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The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi has launched K2 Think, a reasoning model designed to rival OpenAI and DeepSeek. Smaller in size but competitive in performance, K2 Think can process 2,000 tokens per second and is fully open source. Built on Alibaba’s Qwen 2.5 and running on Cerebras hardware, the model is positioned as one of the fastest and most efficient reasoning systems available.
MBZUAI describes K2 Think as a defining moment for the UAE, demonstrating that ingenuity and collaboration can compete with billion-dollar labs.
UAE Experts: AI Can Still Be Sustainable Despite Rising Energy Needs
At the Journey to Net Zero conference, experts explained that although AI-powered data centres consume high levels of electricity, smaller localized centres and renewable energy can make them more efficient and sustainable. The UAE’s stable infrastructure and clean energy drive put it in a strong position to lead this balance between innovation and sustainability.
The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.
Malcolm X
Prompt of the Day
Saudi Market Product Research
Act as a Saudi market research consultant. Identify 3–5 high-potential product categories for e-commerce in Saudi Arabia.
For each, give:
• Demand trends
• Competition and price points
• Cultural/regulatory factors (halal, import rules, packaging)
• Marketing opportunities
End with a summary table (demand, competition, risks) and a final recommendation for the best product for a new entrant with a moderate budget. Keep it professional, data-driven, and aligned with Vision 2030.
Tip: Paste this into your AI tool to get an actionable, Saudi-specific product shortlist.
Closing Note
This week shows how the Gulf is not just adopting AI but shaping its future. From homegrown models like K2 Think to sovereign strategies and digital cooperation, the region is building a smarter, more independent economy.
If you enjoy these updates, keep us in your main inbox, whitelist [email protected], and share this newsletter with a friend or colleague who should be part of the conversation. Your support helps us grow a stronger AI community in the Gulf.
Stay curious, stay ambitious.
AI for GCC Team
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