ChatGPT and the UAE: Embracing AI in Daily Life

Monday, 12 May 2025

The United Arab Emirates has long been at the forefront of innovation, especially when it comes to integrating emerging technologies into everyday life. Among the latest advancements gaining traction is artificial intelligence (AI)—and tools like ChatGPT are playing a growing role in reshaping how people live, work, and connect across the UAE. As AI adoption surges globally, the UAE stands out for its bold approach, government backing, and citizen readiness for digital transformation.

Table of Contents

• The UAE: A Nation at the Forefront of Technological Innovation
• Practical Use of ChatGPT in UAE Businesses
• AI Integration by Key Organizations in the UAE
• UAE’s Commitment to AI Innovation
• Challenges and Ethical Considerations
• Looking Ahead: AI’s Growing Role in the UAE
• Frequently asked questions

The UAE: A Nation at the Forefront of Technological Innovation

The UAE has always been a pioneer in leveraging technology to shape a smarter, more sustainable future. With a strong digital infrastructure and a commitment to becoming a global AI hub, the UAE is well-positioned to lead the way in adopting tools like ChatGPT. The UAE government’s AI strategy emphasizes AI-driven innovation, and the country is increasingly incorporating AI into everyday life—from smart cities to digital government services.

Practical Use of ChatGPT in UAE Businesses

Generative AI models, particularly ChatGPT, have rapidly found real-world applications across industries in the UAE. Businesses are harnessing the power of AI to enhance customer service, automate content creation, and improve operational efficiency. Here are some examples of how companies in the UAE are incorporating ChatGPT into their operations:

1. Enhancing Customer Service

Businesses across the UAE—from real estate agencies and banks to tourism companies—are integrating AI chatbots powered by models like ChatGPT to provide 24/7 customer service. These tools can answer inquiries, book appointments, provide translations, and assist customers in multiple languages, which is especially valuable in the UAE’s multicultural environment.

2. Boosting Education and Learning

Students and educators in the UAE are using AI-powered platforms to enhance learning experiences. ChatGPT serves as a real-time tutor, answering academic questions, generating study guides, or helping with language learning. Schools and universities are exploring responsible AI integration to support blended learning environments.

3. Supporting Government and Public Services

The UAE government, known for its digital-first approach, is adopting AI tools like ChatGPT to improve communication with citizens and streamline bureaucratic processes. From applying for permits to clarifying legal or visa-related queries, AI-powered systems can reduce response times and increase accuracy.

4. Content Creation and Marketing

In the UAE’s dynamic media, marketing, and influencer ecosystem, ChatGPT is being used to generate content, social media captions, ad copy, and blog posts. Small businesses, entrepreneurs, and freelancers find the tool invaluable for brainstorming and automating repetitive writing tasks.

5. Personal Productivity and Daily Tasks

Many UAE residents are using AI assistants like ChatGPT in their daily lives—for example, to write professional emails, translate documents, draft travel itineraries, or plan household budgets. With smart integrations, AI is helping people save time and make better decisions.

AI Integration by Key Organizations in the UAE

Several prominent organizations in the UAE are leading the way in adopting ChatGPT and other AI technologies to improve efficiency and customer experience:

1. e& (Etisalat)

Etisalat, one of the region’s largest telecommunications providers, has teamed up with Microsoft to integrate ChatGPT into its internal operations. The aim is to optimize customer experience, improve HR processes, and make faster business decisions by leveraging AI for better service delivery.

2. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is the first UAE government entity to integrate ChatGPT into its services. This implementation is part of DEWA’s initiative to improve both customer and employee services, with the goal of streamlining operations and advancing its renewable energy and storage projects.

3. Almosafer

Almosafer, the leading Middle Eastern travel company, is integrating ChatGPT into its mobile booking platform. The AI is being used to enhance customer interactions, assist in flight searches, and provide information about destinations, improving the overall customer experience and making travel planning more intuitive.

4. Abwaab

Abwaab, a fast-growing edtech startup in the MENA region, is using ChatGPT to provide students with more personalized feedback on open-ended questions. This integration is expected to help improve the test-prep experience, making it more interactive and responsive to students’ needs.

5. Yanzo

Yanzo, a text-based super app in the UAE, has integrated ChatGPT into its conversational concierge service. By training the AI on thousands of past customer interactions, Yanzo has created a customized service that can handle a variety of requests on WhatsApp, providing users with a seamless and efficient experience.

UAE’s Commitment to AI Innovation

The UAE’s openness to AI isn’t limited to consumer use. The country has appointed the world’s first Minister of Artificial Intelligence and invested heavily in AI research, startups, and infrastructure. Institutions like the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) are training the next generation of AI talent, while public-private partnerships foster AI development across healthcare, transportation, finance, and energy sectors.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

As with any powerful technology, the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT also brings challenges—data privacy, misinformation, job displacement, and ethical use are important concerns. The UAE is actively addressing these issues by formulating regulations and promoting AI literacy to ensure responsible use.

Looking Ahead: AI’s Growing Role in the UAE

As AI continues to advance, the UAE is well-positioned to leverage tools like ChatGPT to further enhance its digital ecosystem. Whether in business, education, or government services, AI’s impact will continue to grow, driving efficiency, innovation, and personalization.

With a supportive government, strong digital infrastructure, and a population eager to embrace new technologies, the UAE is making AI a central component of its future. ChatGPT is just one of many tools that will help the UAE remain at the cutting edge of technological progress while improving the daily lives of its citizens and businesses.

From smart government services to enhanced personal productivity, the UAE is embracing AI technologies like ChatGPT in meaningful, transformative ways. With strong leadership, a clear vision, and a tech-savvy population, the country is setting a benchmark for how artificial intelligence can be used to enhance daily life, promote innovation, and drive sustainable growth in the digital era.