Dubai is accelerating its efforts to become a leading global artificial intelligence hub, with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announcing an ambitious new target of attracting more than 1,000 specialised AI companies by 2030.
The Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence made the announcement while inaugurating the third Dubai AI Festival. The event brought together technology leaders, investors and businesses from around the world to explore opportunities in artificial intelligence and the digital economy.
The announcement follows strong growth at the Dubai AI Campus, based at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and plans to expand its footprint into the Zabeel District.
Dubai AI Campus Exceeds Its Targets Ahead of Schedule
The Dubai AI Campus has attracted more than 500 specialised companies and secured over AED 1 billion in investment, achieving its previously established targets two years ahead of schedule, according to Sheikh Hamdan.
The milestone reflects growing interest from AI businesses seeking access to Dubai’s investment ecosystem, international markets and technology-focused infrastructure.
The campus is designed to support the development of AI companies by bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and technology specialists. Its growth also reinforces Dubai’s strategy to attract innovative businesses and strengthen its position in emerging technology sectors.
New Target: More Than 1,000 AI Companies by 2030
Following the campus’s early success, Dubai has raised its ambitions for the coming years.
Sheikh Hamdan announced a new goal of attracting more than 1,000 specialised AI companies by 2030, signalling a push to expand the emirate’s technology ecosystem and draw further investment.
“In Dubai, we continue to raise our ambitions, positioning the city at the forefront of AI and shaping the future of the global economy,” Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement shared on X.
The target reflects the emirate’s broader effort to establish an environment where AI startups, established technology firms and investors can develop and scale their operations.
Dubai AI Festival Draws Global Participation
The third Dubai AI Festival attracted more than 20,000 participants from 100 countries, alongside 150 speakers, 500 investors and 200 exhibitors, according to the figures provided by Sheikh Hamdan.
The gathering provided a platform for discussions about AI adoption, investment opportunities and the technology’s growing role across industries.
By bringing together international participants, Dubai aims to strengthen connections between technology businesses, capital providers and policymakers while encouraging collaboration across the global AI sector.
Expansion Supports Dubai’s Technology and Investment Strategy
The planned expansion of the Dubai AI Campus into the Zabeel District is part of the emirate’s wider economic development agenda.
Dubai has been working to attract foreign direct investment, skilled technology professionals and businesses operating in high-growth sectors. Artificial intelligence is increasingly central to these efforts, with applications spanning financial services, logistics, healthcare, retail and other industries.
Expanding the campus could help accommodate more specialised companies and create additional opportunities for collaboration and investment.
With its new 2030 target, Dubai is seeking to build on the campus’s early progress and strengthen its role in the international AI landscape.
