Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), together with tech firm G42, unveiled K2 Think, a lean but powerful new AI reasoning model. The homegrown model is aimed at rivaling leading systems from OpenAI and DeepSeek, a press release stated.
Compact AI that outthinks giants
K2 Think is relatively small, about 32 billion parameters, compared to DeepSeek’s massive 671 billion, but it matches or even exceeds its reasoning capabilities in key benchmarks. This can be credited to innovations like fine-tuning with chain-of-thought, planning agents, and reinforcement learning. By efficiently delivering frontier-class performance on Cerebras chips, K2 Think exemplifies a smarter, resource-light approach to AI.
This project is inspired by the global success of DeepSeek, a Chinese model known for its cutting-edge reasoning power and low-cost training. More importantly, it demonstrates the UAE’s ambition to challenge major AI players on terms of both quality and efficiency.
New model in honor of Sheikh Khalifa
Marking this occasion, His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), stated that the launch of K2 Think is an important step in the UAE’s efforts to strengthen its position in advanced technologies and AI. It also reflects the country’s national vision for a future driven by innovation and knowledge.
The announcement came with the backing of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and coincided with the birth anniversary of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, honoring his foundational role in advancing science and innovation in the UAE.
K2 Think represents far more than just another AI model, it is a turning point for artificial intelligence in the UAE. It embodies a significant technical achievement and a clear declaration of the nation’s ambitions worldwide, highlighting the power of open innovation and cross-industry cooperation in driving the future of AI.