The UAE and Bhutan have launched the “AI for Development” initiative to explore AI’s role in boosting economic growth across the Global South. Held in Thimphu, the workshop focused on agriculture, entrepreneurship, and tourism, marking a new chapter in UAE-Bhutan collaboration on tech-driven sustainable development.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Royal Government of Bhutan have launched a new initiative called ‘AI for Development’. This project aims to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can help countries in the Global South grow their economies and improve people’s lives. The initiative started with a two-day workshop in Thimphu, Bhutan.
This important workshop was organized in partnership with G42, a well-known UAE technology company, and the Eurasia Group, a global research and consulting firm. Government leaders, AI experts, and policy makers came together to discuss how AI can solve local problems in smart and cost-effective ways.
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The event began with the Marchang Ceremony, a traditional Bhutanese ritual that symbolizes purity and good beginnings. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Foreign Minister Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel of Bhutan attended the event. Their presence showed how important this AI partnership is for the country.
The UAE sent a strong delegation led by Omran Sharaf, the country’s Assistant Minister for Advanced Science and Technology. He explained that this initiative is part of the UAE’s bigger foreign policy goal—to build strong, global technology partnerships and help other countries benefit from advanced tools like AI.
Sharaf said, “We believe in using AI not just for business, but for real-world development. Working with Bhutan, we can create solutions that match local needs and support the bigger goal of sustainable growth.”
Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, the UAE’s Non-resident Ambassador to Bhutan, added, “The UAE is proud to work with Bhutan on practical, scalable AI tools that can support key areas like farming and business. This helps both countries move closer to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Bhutan was chosen for this project because it is open to innovation and wants to find low-cost, meaningful tech solutions. It is also a country that cares deeply about development that supports people and the environment. This makes Bhutan a great place to try new AI ideas that could later be used in other countries.
The two-day workshop focused on three main areas:
All three topics are closely tied to Bhutan’s national development plan and are also important goals under the UN SDGs.
Jigme Tenzing, Secretary of Bhutan’s GovTech Agency, said the workshop came at the right time. He explained that while AI can make life easier in many ways, its real value lies in solving big problems like poverty, low food production, and lack of digital access. “This project is a chance to have smart talks and exchange ideas that match Bhutan’s needs and values,” he said.
He also expressed hope that this is just the beginning of many more long-term partnerships between Bhutan and the UAE in areas like AI and technology.
The UAE delegation had the honor of meeting His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan. The King praised the UAE for its leadership in advanced technology and space, and said that workshops like this one can open the door to deeper partnerships in the future.
The success of the workshop shows how the UAE is becoming a trusted tech partner for countries across the Global South. With its focus on practical cooperation, the UAE is helping build new solutions for education, health, farming, business, and more.
The delegation from the UAE included:
