Cyprus has signed its first artificial intelligence (AI) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outside of the European Union, partnering with the United Arab Emirates to advance AI development and adoption.
The foundation for the MoU was laid through a series of international AI summits, including the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival and Gitex 2024, where Cyprus’s Deputy Minister Nicodemos Damianou and Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides met with UAE Minister of AI Omar Sultan Al Olama. Their discussions led to a formal collaboration focused on knowledge exchange and AI-driven public sector advancements.
A key element of this partnership includes cooperation with Kasna, a data center company under UAE-based G42, to build Cyprus’s first AI Green Data Center. This initiative aligns with Cyprus’s broader efforts to expand its AI infrastructure and enhance its national AI strategy.
“This MoU marks a crucial step in Cyprus’s AI journey, as we engage with global leaders in AI policy and development,” said Skourides, who also chairs the Cyprus AI Taskforce. “Our collaboration with the UAE, a global pioneer in AI-powered public services, will help us fast-track AI adoption in alignment with the EU AI Act.”
Beyond the UAE, Cyprus has been strengthening its AI expertise through participation in international AI forums, including Saudi Arabia’s AI Leap, Japan’s STS Forum, AI Singapore, and various EU policy events. Cyprus is also an active member of the AI Atlantic Council, fostering ties with the U.S., Israel, and Japan in cybersecurity and AI governance.
The MoU will facilitate the exchange of best practices between Cyprus and the UAE, supporting AI-driven public sector initiatives while leveraging Cyprus’s growing AI research ecosystem. The agreement is expected to enhance AI adoption across industries and establish Cyprus as a key player in regional AI innovation.
The next steps for implementing the MoU will involve coordination between Cyprus’s Chief Scientist, the AI Taskforce, and the UAE’s AI Ministry, with further collaboration anticipated with the Cyprus Digital Chamber of Commerce. The partnership signals a significant move toward positioning Cyprus as an AI hub in the Mediterranean.
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