The United Arab Emirates is preparing to launch an advanced artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to support and streamline foreign trade operations, in a bold step aimed at strengthening its position as a global leader in non-oil trade.
In a signing ceremony attended by His Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Trade signed an agreement with Presight, a leading UAE-based AI solutions provider under the G42 Group. The agreement marks the official start of building the AI-powered platform, which will help accelerate trade procedures, enhance flexibility, and reinforce the UAE’s standing as a global trade hub.
The platform is one of the eight strategic pillars of the “UAE: A Global Hub for Trade” program, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, in November last year. The program aims to boost the UAE’s role as a gateway for international flows of goods and services, open new markets for national exports, and fast-track foreign trade objectives.
Speaking on the initiative, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasized the significance of this platform in shaping the future of trade in the UAE.
“The upcoming launch of the Ministry’s AI-powered foreign trade platform is a vital step in our strategy to provide data-driven forecasts and insights based on verified global trade analytics,” he said. “These insights will support businesses, exporters, and the wider trade ecosystem in the UAE.”
He added: “The UAE has long recognized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in driving economic growth. Trade is one of the sectors where AI can have a clear and positive impact—by replacing slow, manual processes with fast, data-driven tools that improve efficiency, reduce disruptions, and help identify high-value opportunities.”
His Excellency noted that the partnership with Presight will contribute directly to national trade targets and help position the UAE as a central hub in global supply chains, while offering a new model for other trade-driven economies to follow.
Mansoor Al Mansoori, Vice Chairman of Presight, echoed this sentiment, affirming that the platform would further cement the UAE’s leadership in global logistics and supply chains.
“The future of trade belongs to economies that can anticipate change, act fast, and capitalize on opportunities. By providing real-time information to decision-makers, this platform will empower government entities and private companies to act with confidence,” said Al Mansoori. “In doing so, we are transforming artificial intelligence into a true competitive advantage—bringing speed, agility, and quality into global trade systems where the UAE plays a key role.”
Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, added that the collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Trade is a testament to the UAE’s leading position in leveraging AI technology.
“This partnership is not just a milestone for the Ministry and Presight, but for the entire global trade ecosystem. It represents the launch of a new era in trade—where AI helps eliminate costly disruptions and better match supply and demand in real time,” he said.
The platform will be fully integrated into the core functions of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, marking a global first: a trade ministry driven by artificial intelligence. It will analyze millions of data points from ports, shipping routes, international laws, trade agreements, customs records, and more—delivering real-time insights to stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.
This AI-driven ecosystem will help identify potential challenges in international trade, uncover growth opportunities, and guide exporters on regulations, access requirements, and trade protocols across different regions. Exporters will also benefit from intelligent tools like smart certificates of origin and automated services tailored to global market needs.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Trade will leverage the platform’s enhanced data analytics to shape policies, support trade negotiations, and forge agreements that bring long-term value to the UAE economy.
