Dubai Emerges as a Global AI Powerhouse, Says Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed

This year, Dubai continues to step up its ranks as a leading AI city, owing to mooted projects, key partnerships, and technological enhancements tempered by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

The Summary of Dubai’s Artificial Intelligence landscape

Research conducted last year by the Dubai Center for Artificial Intelligence indicates that more than 800 artificial intelligence firms are located in Dubai; 66% of which are international headquarters. Several of the insights gained from the study include: 48% of these companies are involved in the development of AI software, 72% of the firms are either SMEs or start-ups, all of which is a testament to the ‘start-up’ city that Dubai is fast becoming.”

In the reports, Sheikh Hamdan said: “Dubai’s success is based on embracing risks and continuing to strengthen the favourable climate for doing business at the highest world level. This ambition is backed by domestic and international talent and allied to Dubai’s leadership of the technological revolution.

Strategic AI Initiatives

Dubai’s progress in the AI sector has been propelled by several initiatives, including:

• The Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (April 2024): An inclusive guide on how to achieve continued AI adoption in key industries.
• AI Retreat (June 2024): An online forum for analysing how the public and private sectors can leverage the application of AI to enhance economic growth.
• Appointment of AI Chief Executives: That is why, in June 2024, 22 heads of the AI division were appointed in various Dubai Government bodies to achieve faster AI integration.

Promoting the Sustainability of an Environment

In this regard, Sheikh Hamdan stressed that combining efforts of the private and public sectors remains critical to the development of AI in the Emirate. Many sectors in the city have benefited from improved infrastructure, favorable policies, and new products and businesses have tapped into modern services.

The DCAI report was launched at ‘Area 2071’ in Emirates Towers, provides context to Dubai’s future vision to adopt and implement AI for innovative development of the economy across sectors. In this context, these developments correspond to the lines of the Dubai AI acceleration plan and the general vision for the further development in the Emirate as the innovative center.