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UAE Ranks First Globally for AI Talent Growth Rate
By 19Network Editorial Team · May 31, 2026 · 2 min read
The UAE outpaced major tech hubs to record the highest growth rate in AI talent concentration globally, driven by strategic migration and government initiatives.
The UAE has secured the top global position for artificial intelligence (AI) talent growth, outperforming traditional technology hubs in the concentration and migration of specialized professionals. The ranking, derived from the latest LinkedIn and Stanford University AI Index data, confirms the country’s status as the fastest-growing market for AI expertise relative to its population size. Global Leadership in Talent Migration The Emirates recorded the highest growth rate in AI talent concentration worldwide, surpassing major economies including India, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia. This growth is driven by a significant net inflow of international machine learning engineers, data scientists, and AI researchers. The data indicates that for every 10,000 LinkedIn members in the UAE, the country saw the most substantial increase in AI-related skills and job roles globally over the last year. Government initiatives, including the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, have been instrumental in this expansion. By offering long-term residency through the Golden Visa program for coders and tech specialists, the UAE has lowered barriers for global professionals entering the…