UAE pivots from oil to AI, positioning itself as a tech bridge for the Global South
Original framing: “UAE ditches oil for AI to build a ‘bridge’ to Global South” — South China Morning Post
The UAE's AI ambitions reveal a trickster-like duality: positioning itself as a bridge to the Global South while reinforcing Western technological hegemony. This paradox echoes the trickster figure of Coyote, who disrupts norms but also reveals hidden power structures. The narrative's solemnity masks the irony of a petrostate rebranding as a digital utopia.
The UAE's pivot to AI is not just a technological shift but a strategic repositioning in a global landscape shaped by US-China competition and regional instability.
While the narrative emphasizes the UAE's role as a bridge to the Global South, it obscures the power imbalances embedded in its reliance on Western technology and the marginalization of local voices. A more systemic approach would integrate indigenous knowledge, ethical AI frameworks, and cross-cultural collaboration to ensure that AI development serves the broader public interest. By learning from historical transitions and engaging with marginalized communities, the UAE can move beyond symbolic rebranding and toward a more sustainable and equitable future.