UAE Launches K2 Think as World’s Most Advanced Open-Source Reasoning Model
In a landmark initiative that underscores the United Arab Emirates’ deepening commitment to emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, the nation has announced the launch of K2 Think — the world’s most advanced open-source reasoning model. The announcement, made by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, recognizes the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his significant role in laying the foundations for science, technology, and innovation in the country.
Described as a breakthrough in AI development, K2 Think represents a major leap toward realizing the potential of reasoning in artificial intelligence — a domain increasingly regarded as the next major frontier in the field. Unlike traditional AI systems that primarily focus on perception or generation, reasoning AI aims to “think more profoundly,” solve complex problems, and drive new scientific discoveries and innovations that can benefit humanity.
Developed in collaboration between the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and G42, the K2 Think model will be officially unveiled in the coming week. Set apart by its compact size and frontier-level performance, K2 Think achieves outcomes comparable to — or better than — significantly larger models, offering high efficiency, greater adaptability, and a wide range of real-world applications.
Watershed Moment for Artificial Intelligence
His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), stated:
“the launch of K2 Think represents a significant step in the UAE’s endeavors to strengthen its position in advanced technologies and AI. It also mirrors the nation’s vision for a future driven by innovation and knowledge.”
He also commended the collaboration between MBZUAI and G42, highlighting it as “a model of impactful partnerships” aligned with the UAE’s national development objectives.
The milestone reflects an evolving ecosystem in the UAE, where world-class research, advanced engineering, and state-of-the-art infrastructure converge through public-private partnerships to drive strategic progress. At its core, K2 Think is more than a model; it is a symbolic and technological landmark. It marks a turning point in the UAE’s AI journey and sends a bold signal to the world about the country’s intention to lead in open innovation and global AI collaboration.
Commitment to AI and Strategy 2031
The debut of K2 Think fits seamlessly into the UAE’s broader AI Strategy 2031, which aims to catapult the nation into the world’s leading ranks in artificial intelligence. Through this strategy, the UAE seeks to use AI to improve government services, transform industries, and elevate the quality of life for its citizens. The strategy projects an economic impact exceeding AED100 billion from AI-driven initiatives by 2031.
Leading global think tanks have taken notice. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, the UAE ranks as the top country in the Middle East for enterprise-level deployment of AI — a clear sign of how rapidly artificial intelligence is being integrated into the national fabric.
The country’s robust AI ecosystem, supported by government policy and industry buy-in, enables swift scaling of advanced models like K2 Think across sectors such as healthcare, finance, and logistics. This not only reinforces the UAE’s stance as an innovation-driven economy, but also serves as a catalyst for achieving global competitiveness in the age of intelligence.
As the world watches, the UAE stands at the forefront of a new era in artificial intelligence — one where reasoning meets responsibility, and where innovation is a collective national mission.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
