Why Middle East?
Transforming Businesses
At Third Horizon Consulting, we are passionate about helping businesses reach their full potential. Our team of expert consultants has a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions that drive growth, increase efficiency, and improve profitability.
We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and develop strategies that are tailored to their specific goals.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE, under the leadership of its rulers, has made significant commitments to AI and digital transformation, aiming to position itself as a global leader in these sectors. Some of the key initiatives and commitments include:
UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031
Launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, this strategy aims to make the UAE a global leader in AI by 2031. The goal is to integrate AI across various sectors, including healthcare, education, transportation, and government services, enhancing efficiency and innovation.
The strategy is expected to save time, resources, and contribute to economic growth while promoting sustainability.
National Program for Artificial Intelligence
This program ocuses on developing AI infrastructure, fostering research and development, and training a skilled workforce in AI technologies.
It aligns with the UAE's vision to be at the forefront of technological advancements globally.
Dubai's Smart City Initiative
Spearheaded by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, this initiative aims to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world.
It focuses on the use of AI, big data, and blockchain technologies to improve the quality of life, enhance public services, and promote sustainability.
The Appointment of the World’s First Minister of Artificial Intelligence
In 2017, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid appointed Omar bin Sultan Al Olama as the UAE’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence.
This appointment underscores the UAE’s serious commitment to integrating AI in governance, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of global innovation.
Digital Government and Blockchain
The UAE government has pledged to digitalize 100% of its services by 2030, with AI playing a pivotal role in streamlining processes and enhancing public service efficiency.
The UAE Blockchain Strategy 2021 aims to make 50% of government transactions occur via blockchain, making the UAE a pioneer in adopting digital-led governance
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Vision 2030
Overview: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, sets a clear framework for diversifying the economy and positioning the Kingdom as a leader in digital transformation. AI and digital technologies play a central role in modernizing industries, enhancing public services, and fostering innovation.
AI Integration: The Kingdom aims to integrate AI into sectors like healthcare, education, energy, and government services. By harnessing AI, Saudi Arabia seeks to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate its digital transformation across key industries.
National Strategy for Data & AI (NSDAI): Saudi Arabia launched this strategy to establish the country as a global hub for AI by 2030. It focuses on building infrastructure, encouraging R&D, and promoting the adoption of AI technologies in both the public and private sectors.
Establishment of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA)
Purpose: The SDAIA, established in 2019, plays a pivotal role in driving Saudi Arabia's AI ambitions. Its mission is to develop the AI ecosystem, advance data management practices, and lead the Kingdom’s AI projects, ensuring the use of data and AI for national growth.
Initiatives: SDAIA has launched numerous initiatives to integrate AI into everyday life, such as the "Neom" smart city project, which leverages AI, robotics, and renewable energy to create a sustainable urban environment.
Smart Cities and Digital Infrastructure:
Neom Project: A mega smart-city project under Saudi Vision 2030, Neom is designed as a futuristic, AI-driven city. It is being built as a technological hub, utilizing AI for automation, digital governance, and smart urban development to enhance quality of life and sustainability.
Other Initiatives: The Kingdom is investing in AI for smart healthcare systems, energy optimization, and security. By embedding AI into city planning, Saudi Arabia aims to create more livable, sustainable, and technologically advanced urban areas.
Digital Government Transformation
E-Government Development: Saudi Arabia is advancing its digital government services under the "Yesser" e-government program, which focuses on making all government services accessible digitally, enhancing efficiency and citizen experience. AI is being deployed to automate processes, improve decision-making, and offer personalized services.
Blockchain and AI: The Kingdom has been actively exploring blockchain and AI technologies to ensure transparency and security in government and business transactions, aligning with its goal to become a leader in digital governance.
Qatar
Qatar National Vision 2030
Overview: Qatar National Vision 2030 outlines a strategic roadmap to diversify the country’s economy, focusing on sustainability, human development, and modernization. AI and digital transformation are integral to achieving these objectives, as Qatar looks to position itself as a global hub for innovation.
AI Integration: Qatar is leveraging AI to enhance key sectors like healthcare, education, sports (especially with the hosting of events like the FIFA World Cup 2022), and smart infrastructure. AI-driven technologies are expected to improve service delivery, enhance urban development, and promote economic diversification.
Qatar Center for Artificial Intelligence (QCAI):
Mission: The QCAI, part of Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), aims to advance AI research and application in Qatar. It focuses on fostering collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector to drive AI innovations that align with national priorities.
Initiatives: The center leads initiatives such as AI-based healthcare advancements, smart city projects, and AI-driven sports technology. The goal is to develop a highly skilled workforce and promote AI-driven economic growth.
Qatar Smart Program (TASMU):
Focus: Launched by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, TASMU is Qatar’s flagship smart city initiative aimed at transforming Doha and other key areas into technologically advanced, AI-driven smart cities. The program integrates AI, IoT, and big data to improve public services and the overall quality of life.
Application: TASMU focuses on deploying AI across sectors like transportation, logistics, healthcare, and the environment to promote sustainability and efficiency. The initiative is aligned with the country's vision of becoming a leader in AI and digital technologies in the region.
Digital Government and AI-Driven Services:
E-Government Initiatives: Qatar is working toward providing 100% digitalized government services by integrating AI and automation into its public service framework. AI-driven systems are improving the efficiency of public administration, delivering personalized services, and streamlining operations.
Cybersecurity Focus: Qatar is also investing heavily in AI-powered cybersecurity solutions to protect digital infrastructure, given its growing role in global events like the FIFA World Cup and the expanding digital economy.
Kuwait
Kuwait’s Vision for AI and Digital Transformation
Kuwait Vision 2035 (New Kuwait)
Overview: Kuwait’s Vision 2035 outlines a strategic framework to transform the country into a financial and commercial hub through modernization and sustainable development. AI and digital transformation are central to this vision, with the goal of driving innovation and enhancing public services.
AI Integration: Kuwait is incorporating AI into sectors such as education, healthcare, transportation, and public administration to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enable a smarter, data-driven approach to governance.
Kuwait National AI Strategy
Goals: The strategy, led by the government, aims to position Kuwait as a leader in AI adoption by fostering a digital economy and promoting research in AI technologies. This strategy involves developing an AI talent pool, establishing AI infrastructure, and encouraging public and private sector collaboration in AI innovation.
AI in Healthcare: Kuwait has begun integrating AI technologies in healthcare to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and implement AI-powered diagnostics for faster and more accurate medical services.
Digital Kuwait and Smart Cities
Smart City Initiatives: Kuwait is working toward developing AI-driven smart cities with a focus on sustainability, energy management, and urban development. These initiatives involve deploying AI and IoT solutions to create intelligent transportation systems, optimize energy usage, and improve urban planning.
Kuwait's E-Government Program: The government is also advancing its e-government agenda to provide seamless digital services to its citizens. AI is being leveraged to streamline administrative processes, offer better public services, and enhance transparency in governance.
Blockchain and AI Integration
Blockchain for Governance: Kuwait is exploring the use of blockchain and AI to enhance public sector transparency and efficiency. By adopting these technologies, the government aims to secure transactions, reduce fraud, and improve service delivery.