- Selection of Three Arab Figures in the TIME100 AI 2025 List: Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE), Tariq Amin (Saudi Arabia), and Heidi Khalaf (Arab scientist and researcher in the United States).
- Diversity of Roles Across Investment, Leadership, and Research: Sheikh Tahnoun leads G42’s global investments, Tariq Amin heads HUMAIN backed by the Public Investment Fund, and Heidi Khalaf focuses on AI ethics in her research.
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The Rise of the Arab Role in Global AI: The Arab presence is no longer just about adopting technology but actively shaping its future—from Abu Dhabi and Riyadh to leading international research institutions.
TIME has unveiled its annual TIME100 AI 2025 list, highlighting the most influential innovators, decision-makers, and pioneers shaping the future of artificial intelligence worldwide. This year, the list features three prominent Arab figures, reflecting the region’s growing role in the global AI race.
Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan
As the UAE’s National Security Advisor and Chairman of G42, one of the largest AI companies in the region, Sheikh Tahnoun is spearheading Abu Dhabi’s efforts to establish itself as a global hub for advanced technologies. Under his leadership, G42 has expanded its investments in AI, big data, and cloud infrastructure.
Tariq Amin
CEO of HUMAIN, a Saudi AI company backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). HUMAIN is one of the Kingdom’s largest initiatives in the AI space, aiming to develop platforms and solutions that position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the sector.
Heidi Khalaf
A distinguished Arab scientist and researcher, Khalaf serves as Chief AI Scientist at the AI Now Institute in the United States. Her work focuses on the ethical and social dimensions of artificial intelligence, making her a key voice in shaping global policies around emerging technologies.
An Arab Footprint in the Future of AI
The inclusion of these three names clearly demonstrates that the Arab world is no longer just a consumer of technology but an active contributor to its development and direction. From Abu Dhabi to Riyadh, and across leading research institutions worldwide, Arab presence in artificial intelligence has become an integral part of the global landscape.
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