An AI research university in Abu Dhabi has launched a new low-cost reasoning model that’s a fraction of the size of available options while performing just as well, according to the developers. Emirati investor G42 partnered with the university to create the model — called K2 Think — in the latest move to position the UAE as a global AI leader.
Neighboring Saudi Arabia has also sought to cement its place in the AI race through sovereign wealth fund-owned HUMAIN, which is building data centers and launched an Islamic-focused chatbot. AI has emerged as a potential cash cow for the Gulf as the region looks to diversify its economy away from oil.