Sharjah advances global AI hub ambitions through UK partnership

January 19, 2026 / 1:19 PM

Sharjah24: Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the UK-based Global Centre for AI Excellence (GCAIE), marking a major step in positioning Sharjah as a global hub for trusted and impactful artificial intelligence.

Signed at SPARK’s headquarters in Sharjah, the agreement focuses on deploying the Global AI Excellence Model (GAIEM), an internationally recognised framework designed to support governments, enterprises and innovation ecosystems in adopting AI in a secure, ethical and economically measurable manner.

Driving sustainable and responsible AI adoption

Commenting on the partnership, Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, said the collaboration embeds international best practices in AI governance, leadership development and value creation, reinforcing Sharjah’s role as a globally competitive destination for AI-driven growth.

Under the agreement, SPARK and GCAIE will collaborate to develop AI leadership and professional capacity, strengthen governance and safety frameworks, accelerate AI commercialisation, deliver measurable returns on investment, and launch sector-focused innovation programmes aligned with future-ready industries.

Global and regional impact

The partnership also strengthens growing cooperation between the UAE and the UK in advanced technologies, supporting Sharjah’s long-term strategy to lead in research, innovation and artificial intelligence.