Google has launched the AI Opportunity Initiative for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It marks their largest regional AI project to date. The initiative aims to equip over 500,000 people in MENA. They will have vital AI skills, research funding, and access to Google’s advanced AI tools.
All of this is an effort to promote an inclusive, technology-driven future. Google is backing local AI innovations to boost MENA’s digital economy. It is projected to contribute USD 320 billion by 2030.
Key Components of the AI Opportunity Initiative are:
- AI Skill-Building Programs: Google is rolling out a comprehensive AI curriculum in Arabic. It is part of the “Maharat min Google” program. It provides targeted resources to underserved communities throughout MENA. This initiative specifically focuses on women, youth, migrants, and rural populations in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. It has a goal of closing digital gaps and improving economic mobility.
- AI Research and Solutions: Through its AI Research Fund, Google will foster innovation in essential sectors such as healthcare, climate resilience, and education. A significant grant to startAD will support the creation of AI solutions. It is aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. It will address urgent regional healthcare challenges with advanced technology.
- Arabic-Enabled Gemini AI Features: Google has launched its Gemini AI features in Arabic. It includes over 16 dialects. These new Arabic functionalities offer personalized assistance, especially for youth and teens. It also offers image-generation and language-processing capabilities.
- Infrastructure Expansion in the Gulf: The main aim of MENA is to meet the increasing demand for cloud solutions in the MENA region. Google is expanding its infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait in collaboration.
