The article outlines a significant transformation in the economic landscape of the Arab region, where the focus is shifting from traditional hydrocarbon resources to the burgeoning importance of data. This change is characterized by the emergence of data as the 'new oil', which drives artificial intelligence and has implications for national policymaking. Countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are not merely digitizing their services; they are actively investing in deep tech to ensure economic sustainability that surpasses conventional resources.

Qatar's commitment to allocate 2 billion dollars to increase its digital economy's contribution to 10% of its GDP reflects a strategic ambition not only to enhance technological infrastructure but also to establish digital sovereignty. This investment emphasizes building local technological capabilities rather than relying on imported models. By 2026, the idea is that possessing significant data and utilizing national language models will become the primary safeguard for economic and national security in these nations, replacing the traditional reliance on oil reserves.

The article highlights that this shift towards data-centric economies is critical for redefining power dynamics in the Arab world. As these nations strive for digital independence through projects like Qatar's 'Fanar' and the UAE's 'Jess', they are setting a precedent for a future where data security is paramount, signaling a new era of economic resilience and technological innovation in the region.