Intellinomics and the Economy of Intelligence: Foundation of the Intelligence-Economy in the Middle East

This working paper introduces and develops the concept of Intellinomics, an economic framework in which artificial intelligence becomes an independent factor of production and a central driver of productivity, value creation, and competitiveness. The paper argues that recent advances in generative and predictive AI have moved the global system beyond the traditional digital or knowledge economy toward an intelligence-driven economy where compute power, data infrastructures, and algorithmic decision-making form a new foundation for growth. Focusing on the Middle East, and particularly the GCC region, the paper analyzes how sovereign wealth, energy abundance, and ambitious national visions (such as Saudi Vision 2030, UAE Centennial 2071, Qatar Vision 2030, and Oman Vision 2040) create a unique environment for building AI-centered economic models. Drawing on recent reports from the IMF, OECD, McKinsey, IEA, and Stanford HAI, the paper highlights how AI is already reshaping energy systems, logistics, finance, genomics, public administration, and labor markets in the region. The paper proposes Intellinomics as a new analytical lens for understanding the transition from data-driven and digital economies toward intelligence as the core economic resource, and offers forward-looking reflections on the strategic choices facing Middle Eastern economies between 2030 and 2040.