The UAE has taken a bold step forward with the launch of an AI model. Reinforcing its role as a regional and global leader in advanced technology, the UAE has unveiled K2 Think—hailed as the world’s most advanced open-source reasoning model.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has endorsed the release of K2 Think, marking a significant national achievement in the field of AI. His Highness affirmed that the UAE continues to make significant progress in advancing investment in modern technologies and artificial intelligence, harnessing their potential to drive national development, keep pace with global progress, and realise the country’s vision of a better future for generations to come.

The launch coincides with the birth anniversary of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 7 September, honouring his lasting legacy in establishing the foundations of science, technology, and innovation in the UAE.

Reasoning is seen as the next major evolution in artificial intelligence, empowering machines not just to perceive or generate, but to think critically and solve complex problems.

Developed by the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in partnership with G42, K2 Think is designed to be leaner and smarter, offering cutting-edge performance in a compact form, often matching or exceeding the output of models significantly larger in size.

On this occasion, 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 marks an important step in the UAE’s efforts to strengthen its position in advanced technologies and AI. It also reflects the country’s national vision for a future driven by innovation and knowledge.”

He praised the collaboration between MBZUAI and G42 as “a model of impactful partnerships that serve the UAE’s development aspirations.”

K2 Think serves as more than just a model, it is a milestone in the UAE’s AI journey and a signal of its growing influence in shaping the global AI landscape.