The Next Web · 16 Sep, 03:59 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

UAE AI minister: data centres are now “more important than bridges”

The United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence has asserted that data centres are now more critical to national infrastructure than traditional physical assets like bridges.

25–40%salary premium for professionals with applied AI skills
11xgrowth in AI job adverts since 2019
66%of leaders won't hire without AI literacy
20days to your first credential
The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

The United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence has asserted that data centres are now more critical to national infrastructure than traditional physical assets like bridges. This statement, reported by The Next Web, signals a strategic pivot in the UAE’s development priorities. It underscores the government’s commitment to establishing the nation as a global hub for artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. For professionals, this highlights a significant shift in resource allocation and policy focus towards the digital economy, indicating that computing power and data storage capabilities are now viewed as foundational to economic growth and national security.

Employer demand for Cloud Computing skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)
20191x20201.2x20211.7x20222.5x20233.6x20245.1x20257.4x202610x
Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This policy shift signals that infrastructure expertise is migrating from civil engineering to digital architecture. You must recognise that technical skills in cloud infrastructure and data governance are rapidly ascending in value. If you work in IT, engineering, or corporate strategy, this is your cue to specialise. Do not ignore the demand for professionals who can design, secure, and optimise large-scale data facilities. Smart professionals will immediately upskill in cloud computing and sustainable energy management for data centres. You should also explore roles in regulatory compliance and strategic planning for digital assets. Prioritise certifications that validate your ability to manage complex, high-stakes digital infrastructure projects.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, AI Strategy and Sustainable Computing — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below
Cloud Computing+32%Cyber Security+27%AI Strategy+35%Sustainable Computing+20%
Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.

Launch pricing shown against standard certificate value. The fee you see today is the fee you lock in.

This briefing is based on reporting by The Next Web on 16 Sep, 03:59. Read the original coverage →

Read the news. Then outrun it.

Every OnlineUni programme is online, self-paced and from £79 — so a headline today can be your credential this month.

Finishing is the easy part. Staying current isn't.

Skills date faster than they used to. Stack the next one while this is still fresh.

Chat with Admissions

OnlineUni Admissions

Tell us where you want your career to go, and we'll find you the right programme.

Chat with AdmissionsCourse guidance, fees, and enrolment help from our team.
Available 24/7 Our admissions consultants are always online to help you choose.
OnlineUni · a TilGlobal brand

Tell us about yourself to get started

OnlineUni · a TilGlobal brand