Dubai Aims to Become the Global Hub for AI-First Digital Companies, Minister Says
Dubai is positioning itself as the global leader in AI innovation, with plans to make every future digital company AI-driven and establish a thriving talent pool to support its vision.
With over Dh20.6 billion invested in AI innovation, Dubai is positioning itself as a leader in artificial intelligence adoption, urging all future digital companies to prioritize AI at their core.
Dubai Wants Every Future Digital Company to Be AI-First: UAE Minister
Dubai is setting its sights on becoming the world’s foremost business-friendly hub for artificial intelligence, with a clear vision for the future: every digital company must be AI-driven. At the opening of Dubai AI Week, Omar Sultan AlOlama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, outlined the emirate’s bold roadmap to cement its status as a global leader in AI adoption.
Speaking passionately at the event, AlOlama emphasized the critical role AI will play in shaping the city’s economic future. He shared the ambitious targets Dubai aims to meet in the coming year, including the full integration of artificial intelligence across both government and private sectors. “Dubai understands business and artificial intelligence,” he stated, reinforcing the city’s commitment to fostering AI at every level.
AI-First for All Future Startups
The UAE has already witnessed several high-profile AI-driven startups flourish, including regional success stories like Careem and Souq.com. AlOlama stressed that these AI-first ventures serve as a model for the future. “Every single unicorn that has come out of the UAE was an AI company,” he said, adding that going forward, all digital companies in Dubai will be expected to integrate AI into their operations from the outset. The push for AI-first businesses will shape the city’s next wave of innovation.
Creating a Thriving AI Talent Pool
In addition to promoting AI-driven businesses, Dubai is committed to developing a robust talent pipeline. “We want to be a hub that grows the best talent, nurtures them, and hopefully exports their ingenuity to the rest of the world,” AlOlama explained. Dubai is prioritizing investments in education, with over 10,000 students benefiting from AI-focused initiatives last year alone. This emphasis on education aims to equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in the AI-powered economy.
As part of its strategic vision, Dubai will also assess and rank every government entity based on its AI integration, ensuring that all departments leverage AI to improve operational efficiency and quality of life for UAE citizens. AlOlama made it clear that AI would not be applied simply for the sake of innovation, but to enhance the overall well-being of the public.
Key Initiatives and Investments
Dubai’s AI ambitions are supported by substantial financial investments. Over the past year, the emirate has invested more than Dh20.6 billion to enhance its AI capabilities, funding more than 26 initiatives aligned with the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, launched in April 2024. As part of these efforts, Dubai has already appointed over 230 chief AI officers for government departments, with the target of having every department represented by an AI officer by May 2025.
Additionally, Dubai is setting new benchmarks in AI talent development. The city recently launched the world’s largest AI prompt engineering training initiative, aiming to upskill one million people over the next three years. Since the campaign began, more than 325 companies have earned the prestigious AI seal, which recognizes excellence in AI adoption and usage across the emirate.
A Global AI Hub
Dubai AI Week, which kicked off at the Museum of the Future and Emirates Towers, is expected to be a defining event for the city’s AI strategy. The week includes a series of groundbreaking events, such as the AI Retreat, the Global Prompt Engineering Championship, the Dubai AI Festival, and the Machines Can See conference. These activities are designed to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from the world’s leading AI institutions and companies.
Through these initiatives and investments, Dubai is working tirelessly to ensure it remains at the forefront of AI development. The city’s commitment to fostering AI-driven businesses, cultivating homegrown talent, and integrating AI into every facet of life sets the stage for a future where artificial intelligence is seamlessly woven into the fabric of Dubai’s economy and society.
As AI technology continues to evolve, Dubai is positioning itself as the place to be for digital entrepreneurs and businesses eager to harness the power of artificial intelligence.
