The United Arab Emirates government has partnered with Mastercard to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence. In alignment with the UAE’s Vision 2031, the strategic collaboration aims to integrate AI and other cutting-edge technologies across various sectors, elevating the nation’s digital infrastructure, promoting innovation, and positioning the country as a global leader in AI-driven solutions.

As part of this partnership, Mastercard has established a Global Center for Advanced AI and Cyber Technology in Dubai. The center will spearhead pioneering AI-driven solutions to tackle pressing global challenges, especially within the digital and financial ecosystems. It will also drive innovation across sectors, positioning the UAE at the forefront of the global AI race.

“AI plays a critical role in our operations, powering our products and fueling our network intelligence to improve digital experiences while reducing financial fraud and risk,” said Ajay Bhalla, President, Cyber and Intelligence at Mastercard. “The combination of this latest Advanced AI Center and our partnership with the government of the UAE will deliver greater value for our customers and ultimately reinforce trust in the digital ecosystem.”

In addition, the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office and Mastercard signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster AI readiness and capabilities in the region.

The collaboration highlights UAE’s focus on adopting AI across multiple domains, with a primary emphasis on battling financial crime, in which AI will play a key role in strengthening fraud detection, cybersecurity measures, and financial crime prevention.