Hardly a day goes by without reading in various media outlets about the remarkable artificial intelligence revolution that has become an integral part of our daily lives in all fields. Countries with exceptional digital infrastructure, such as the Gulf states, have been able to leverage AI in various sectors. This is evident in the numerous conferences hosted by Gulf countries, inviting experts in the field from around the world to explore its latest advancements. Additionally, some Gulf states have formulated AI strategies and employed these technologies in areas such as security, health, education, and economics.

Given this significance, a critical question arises: what about the military domain? This question is particularly pertinent because, if countries around the world see AI technologies as opportunities to be seized, Gulf states may find these technologies especially crucial. Studies suggest that these smaller states, which lack large armies, could compensate for their military size through advanced AI technologies. Furthermore, AI has redefined concepts such as war, deterrence, and balance of power. The remarkable developments in this field have influenced the balance of power for Gulf states, which have historically relied on arms purchases—often governed by long-term contracts—and strategic partnerships. However, not all global powers and organizations are willing to share the secrets of these technologies with Gulf countries.

Note: This article has been automatically translated, the full article is available in Arabic.

Source: Akhbar Al Khaleej

Dr. Ashraf Keshk, Senior Research Fellow