UAE Partners with Presight to Launch AI-Driven Trade Ministry Initiative

Editorial Team

Last updated 20-01-2026

3 min

The UAE will launch a “full AI-powered trade platform” with Presight under the Ministry of Foreign Trade.

The system aims to create the world’s first “AI-driven trade ministry”, using real-time data.

Traders gain AI-backed certificates, while policymakers get sharper forecasts and deal insights.

Officials say it will speed goods flows, cut friction, and reduce “human-heavy processes”.

The platform supports a wider push to grow non-oil exports and global trade ties.

The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Trade is leaning hard into artificial intelligence, announcing a new partnership with Abu Dhabi-based Presight, part of the G42 group, to roll out what’s being billed as a full AI-powered trade platform. The signing ceremony was attended by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, underscoring how seriously the government is taking this shift.

At its core, the platform is designed to sit inside the Ministry’s day-to-day operations, with a bold ambition: turning it into what officials describe as the world’s first AI-driven trade ministry. The system will crunch millions of data points in real time, pulling information from ports, shipping routes, customs records, trade agreements and even international regulations. The idea is simple enough—use data to see problems coming, spot new trade openings and help both public and private players navigate complex rules without it being a bit of a faff.

From what’s been shared, traders will also see practical tools, such as AI-supported certificates of origin, while policymakers gain sharper forecasting and analysis when negotiating trade deals. Faster movement of goods, fewer bottlenecks and smoother processes are all on the wish list. I’ve seen startups across MENA struggle with paperwork and delays, and, well… I mean, anything that cuts friction at borders feels spot on.

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, said AI could have an immediate impact on trade by replacing human-heavy processes with real-time insights, helping accelerate merchandise flows and reduce disruptions. He added that the Presight partnership should push the UAE beyond its already ambitious trade targets and set an example other countries might follow.

Presight’s leadership echoed that message. Vice Chairman Mansoor Al Mansoori pointed to earlier insights, compressed timelines and more confident decision-making, while CEO Thomas Pramotedham described the platform as a potential gold standar for digital trade infrastructure.

The initiative is also tied to a bigger picture. The AI platform is one of eight pillars under the UAE Global Centre of Trade programme, launched in November 2025. That programme aims to grow non-oil exports, attract international trading and manufacturing firms, and give exporters smarter tools to break into new markets.

On the flip side, I reckon the real test will be adoption. Tech is only as good as the people using it. Still, for founders and scale-ups we often chat about on Arageek, especially those eyeing cross-border growth, this move could be something to be chuffed to bits about—if it delivers on its promise, you know?

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