Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) has announced a strategic partnership with the UK-based Global Centre for AI Excellence (GCAIE) to deploy a globally recognised framework for artificial intelligence. The collaboration will see SPARK adopt the Global AI Excellence Model to ensure AI is implemented across its ecosystem in a secure, ethical, and economically viable manner.
This move positions Sharjah as a key player in addressing the critical challenges of AI governance, safety, and trust, aligning with a growing demand from governments, investors, and international bodies for structured and responsible AI deployment.
A Framework for Trusted AI
The partnership centers on the implementation of the Global AI Excellence Model, a science-based framework developed by GCAIE. It is designed to provide governments, enterprises, and innovation ecosystems with a unified standard for harnessing AI with confidence and accountability.
The model provides best practices and assessment tools that enable organisations to move beyond experimentation and tackle the governance and trust issues that often hinder large-scale AI adoption. By integrating this framework, SPARK aims to create a robust environment for AI development and application within Sharjah.
Driving AI Leadership and ROI in Sharjah
Through this collaboration, SPARK and GCAIE will focus on several key areas. The initiative will work to develop AI leadership capabilities and professional capacity within the ecosystem. It will also support the establishment of clear governance, safety, and trust frameworks for all AI-related projects.
A major goal of the partnership is to accelerate the commercialisation of AI technologies and their applied use cases. This will enable measurable return on investment, productivity gains, and operational efficiencies for startups and enterprises within the park, while establishing new AI innovation programmes and sector-specific pilots to support economic diversification.
Strengthening UAE-UK Tech Collaboration
The agreement reinforces the growing ties between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom in advanced technology, innovation governance, and digital transformation. GCAIE works with public and private institutions across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and this partnership marks a significant expansion of its engagement in the UAE and the wider region.
The collaboration highlights a shared commitment to building mature, responsible AI ecosystems capable of contributing to the global economy, which is forecasted to see AI contribute over $15 trillion by 2030.
About Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK)
Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) is a free zone that aims to develop and manage an innovation ecosystem that promotes research and development and supports enterprise activities. It provides a platform for collaboration between industry, government, and academia to foster a sustainable and knowledge-based economy in Sharjah and the UAE.
About Global Centre for AI Excellence (GCAIE)
The Global Centre for AI Excellence (GCAIE) is a UK-headquartered organisation that provides the first unified, science-based framework for AI implementation. Its Global AI Excellence Model enables governments and enterprises to harness AI with confidence, accountability, and measurable impact. The model is structured around four pillars: Leadership & Governance, Execution Excellence, Enablers, and Results & Value Creation.
Source: Middle East AI News
