The State of Generative AI in 2023 in the Middle East

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Here are some quick facts to help us understand the large-scale impact of Generative AI, or Gen AI, in the Middle East: The Gen AI economy could reach nearly $24 billion per year by 2030; the UAE and Saudi Arabia will see a combined annual growth of $17.5 billion; the UAE-based Technology Innovation Institute launched its Falcon flagship Large Language Model (LLM) and its advanced iteration; and G42’s unit Inception launched Jais, the world’s most advanced Arabic LLM.

These are a clear testament to the explosive growth of Gen AI in the Middle East, as its usage grows across various sectors, including energy, insurance, healthcare, education, travel, finance, automotive, and aviation. Gen AI applications have helped businesses become more efficient. The ability of algorithms to create new text, images, sounds, animations, 3D models, and even computer code is transforming how people work and play. By employing LLMs to handle queries, the technology can dramatically reduce manual tasks like searching for and compiling information.

However, this has also prompted a growing need for ethical considerations and governance. The conversation surrounding AI ethics typically begins with a set of guiding principles. These principles emphasize a human-centric approach, the importance of explainability and transparency, the need for security and safety, and the requirement for accountability. 

Businesses utilizing Gen AI technology must also comply with industry-specific regulations. Failing to do so can result in legal, financial, and ethical challenges, especially if the content generated is inaccurate, inaccessible, or offensive. 

MIT Sloan Management Review Middle East, in collaboration with G42, has published a white paper on The State of Generative AI in 2023 in the Middle East based on the survey of C-suite executives and senior management representing various sectors in the region. The survey focused on some key questions surrounding the application and future of Gen AI, including: 

 

1. Would you be comfortable using AI at your workplace?
2. What challenges do you anticipate in adopting generative AI?
3. How concerned are you about ethical issues and bias in generative AI?

 

Almost one-third of our survey respondents said they regularly use Gen AI in at least one business function. They also agreed that Gen AI will have a bigger impact on business than any other emerging technology in the next five years.

Ethical considerations and governance will take center stage as Gen AI evolves, ensuring responsible AI usage. Undoubtedly, Gen AI is one of our time’s most transformative technologies, promising a future filled with innovation and possibilities, the paper concludes.