Abu Dhabi is giving away its Falcon AI for free.
The United Arab Emirates’ government-backed Technology Innovation Institute (TII) launched Falcon, an advanced AI chatbot that understands and generates text in multiple languages. Unlike OpenAI or Google, Falcon is completely free to use, modify, or sell — no fees, no strings attached.
TII keeps releasing new Falcon models like Falcon Arabic for regional languages and Falcon-e for energy efficiency. This open-source approach contrasts with Silicon Valley firms that charge users $20/month or more for top AI access. 
Hakim Hacid, TII’s chief researcher, said:
“Access to AI must be a right for everyone and not a privilege of only a few.”
“The TII is taking the open-source approach as a strategic differentiator, positioning Falcon as a trusted and transparent alternative in the global AI landscape.”
The UAE aims to translate oil wealth into digital power, positioning Falcon as a regional and global player. Unlike Meta’s Llama 3, which still has commercial restrictions, Falcon removes all usage fees and licensing limits.
A McKinsey April 2025 survey showed 60% of companies find open-source AI cheaper, and over 80% of developers say open-source skills are essential. Demand is high worldwide, especially in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where Falcon’s adaptability to local languages and cultural contexts stands out.
The U.S. and China both protect their AI turf differently. TII’s unified, global-friendly Falcon is unique, according to strategy expert Levent Ergin:
“The UAE’s approach stands out for its global accessibility and permissiveness.”
“That is both bold and visionary. It promotes support for many languages rather than forcing everyone to use American or Chinese systems.”
TII demands ethical use and credits but keeps Falcon free while working with international safety groups. The next Falcon version will combine multi-modal AI (words + images) and use less power.
David Boast of UK-based Endava highlighted the UAE’s rare move:
“Few nations can build an advanced AI program like Falcon, and fewer still would be likely to give it away free.”
“That says a lot about the UAE’s growing technical capabilities, but also its mindset: It’s not innovating in isolation.”
The UAE’s Falcon could reshape AI power dynamics, offering a free, flexible, and regionally sensitive AI option in a world split between U.S. and Chinese dominance. The open-source gamble carries risks but meets rising calls for local data control and affordable AI access worldwide.
