AI Sovereignty at the Forefront of UAE Innovation
During the high-profile Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) 2025 exhibition, e& (Etisalat) UAE announced an initiative to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with leading-edge AI technology. The linchpin of this initiative is Aleria, a UAE-based AI technology company, whose executive-level AI platform will be embedded in e& UAE’s core offerings and designed to simplify HR practices, manage resources, and support data-driven decision-making.
This is particularly useful for SMBs that want to remain nimble while scaling in an incredibly competitive digital economy.During the high-profile Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) 2025 exhibition, e& UAE announced an initiative to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with leading-edge AI technology. The linchpin of this initiative is Aleria, a UAE-based AI technology company, whose executive-level AI platform will be embedded in e& UAE’s core offerings and designed to simplify HR practices, manage resources, and support data-driven decision-making. This is particularly useful for SMBs that want to remain nimble while scaling in an incredibly competitive digital economy.
Aleria: The Powerhouse Behind UAE’s AI Sovereignty
Based in Abu Dhabi, Aleria is also a hallmark example of a new reality for the UAE in light of its sovereignty goals in technology. Aleria’s AI platform, designed for C-level executives, connects to a business’s data ecosystem, offering features like capturing live meetings, automating workspaces, and managing compliant-ready data.
Many of the solutions imported from elsewhere (a topic worthy of its own column). Unlike the many imported solutions, Aleria’s platform is built locally, in accordance with regional data governance laws, offering organizations the ultimate control over their sensitive information. In this respect, the Aleria platform is an asset in the UAE’s larger ambition to digitally transform the region.
According to Esam Mahmoud, SVP at e& :
“With intelligent tools like Aleria-powered AI solutions, we are helping businesses work smarter and uncover new pathways to success.”
And Eric Leandri, CEO of Aleria, added:
“We are proud to serve the UAE with AI technology that not only delivers efficiency but also protects national data interests.”
Geopolitical Context: UAE-UK Financial Connectivity
While Aleria and e& UAE are both entirely Emirati organizations, their efforts to implement an AI led transformation strategy are impacting the world well beyond their borders – especially for investors and financial services firms situated in the UK.
As the UAE continues down its path to establishing itself as a regional hub for AI and digital innovation, financial institutions from the UK are increasing their commitments:
- St. James’s Place, one of the UK’s largest wealth managers, is expanding its presence in Dubai, in response to an increase in expats and high-net-worth individuals seeking advisory services.
- Standard Chartered, a UK-based multinational bank, has expanded its private banking business in the UAE, based on a rise in interest from clients across EMEA to access the UAE’s fast-growing technology and finance sectors.
These examples highlight the growing importance the UAE shows as a safe, business-friendly environment for financial services and fintech expansion – and practical entry points for UK-based businesses in AI, compliance technology, and smart investment solutions.
A Strategic Milestone for the UAE and an Opportunity for the UK
With the launch of Aleria-powered solutions at Make it in the Emirates 2025, e& UAE not only demonstrates its commitment to national innovation but also lays the groundwork for increased international cooperation in finance and technology. For the UK, this evolution represents a strategic opportunity to partner with trusted, sovereign-led AI developments in one of the world’s most dynamic digital markets.
