In 2026, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), two of Asia’s rapidly evolving digital economies, are amplifying their efforts in artificial intelligence (AI) to promote a collaborative approach focused on human welfare. This partnership emphasises ethical governance, equitable growth, and the responsible application of advanced technologies. The existing strong diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations are set to benefit from this technological collaboration, which prioritises shared values such as inclusivity and societal impact.
Enhancing AI Infrastructure and Initiatives
During the official visit of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi in January 2026, both countries reinforced their commitment to advancing technology cooperation, particularly in AI-focused infrastructure, research, and skill development. This meeting led to the establishment of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), setting the groundwork for collaborative projects including AI data centers and supercomputing facilities in India. These initiatives aim to expedite research, enhance model training, and facilitate diverse commercial applications across various sectors.
The forthcoming India-AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for February 16–20 in New Delhi, will bring together government officials, tech leaders, researchers, and civil society to discuss the path forward for responsible and inclusive AI deployment.
Significance of Human-Centric AI
The concept of human-centric AI is gaining traction globally and is characterised by an equilibrium between innovation and ethical implications, including fairness and transparency. Events like the Digital Inclusion Summit 2026 will spotlight this approach, particularly in the field of education. Discussions surrounding AI governance are increasingly aligning technology with human rights, elevating the significance of ethical frameworks in the development of AI systems.
In India, initiatives under the “AI for All” strategy aim to improve health services and digital accessibility for marginalised communities. Similarly, the UAE’s national AI strategy seeks responsible technology utilization, enhancing transparency and privacy protections as intelligent systems become more integral to public services.
Core Elements of the India-UAE AI Partnership
The partnership between India and the UAE encompasses pivotal components:
1. Infrastructure Development and Innovation: Both nations are considering joint investments in data centers and supercomputing capabilities. This collaboration is expected to enhance AI research capacities while fortifying data sovereignty in India’s tech landscape, allowing for improved computational resources necessary for advanced AI applications.
2. Skills Development and Workforce Exchange: A significant focus of this partnership is on creating a skilled workforce adept in both the technical and ethical dimensions of AI. Initiatives encompassing educational programs and vocational training aim to equip individuals with the skills necessary for responsible AI deployment, reflecting both countries’ commitment to integrating AI literacy into broader economic strategies.
3. Governance, Ethics, and Policy Design: India and the UAE are collaborating to establish governance principles that regulate AI usage, ensuring adherence to human rights and privacy protections. This engagement aims to contribute to a global framework for ethical AI deployment, advocating for transparency and accountability.
Regional and Global Implications of the Cooperation
The India-UAE AI partnership mirrors broader trends in the region, with Gulf states accelerating AI adoption for economic diversification and innovation. India is emerging as a key player in the global AI landscape, contributing talent and policy direction in human-centric AI practices.
Despite the promising outlook, challenges such as ethical diversity and talent availability posing risks require careful navigation. India’s vast pool of developers combined with the UAE’s strategic investments in AI presents an opportunity to foster complementary strengths beneficial to both countries and the international community.
Encouraging cooperation in human-centric AI represents a template for how nations can align technological advancement with ethical commitments, creating an ecosystem where technology serves to enhance societal welfare. Both India and the UAE are poised to influence not only regional norms but also global standards in AI governance and practices, marking a new chapter of collaboration in the digital age.
