The target aims to expand Dubai’s AI business ecosystem by attracting more companies working in artificial intelligence and related technologies by 2030.
Dubai has set a new target to attract more than 1,000 artificial intelligence companies and create over 5,000 specialized jobs by 2030, following the approval of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence.
The announcement was made during the third Dubai AI Festival, held at Dubai World Trade Centre from October 26 to 27. Launched in May 2024, Dubai AI Campus has already attracted more than 500 AI companies, which have secured over Dh1 billion in private equity and venture capital investment.
According to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the campus has also helped create more than 2,000 specialized technology jobs, exceeding its original five-year targets for company participation and investment two years ahead of schedule.
Dubai AI Campus Raises Its Growth Ambitions
Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai would continue investing in advanced technologies by providing infrastructure, regulatory support and access to international talent.
“Our priority is to position Dubai at the forefront of adopting advanced technologies by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, a flexible regulatory environment, and access to the world’s best talent and expertise. This will enable companies and innovators to develop AI technologies and translate their potential into sustainable economic value,” he said.
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said the campus had already reached its target of attracting 500 AI companies by 2028, prompting the decision to set a higher goal for the end of the decade.
The revised target calls for more than 1,000 companies and over 5,000 specialized jobs by 2030, expanding the campus’s role in Dubai’s technology and business ecosystem.
New AI Campus Building Planned for DIFC Zabeel District
During his visit, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed plans for a purpose-built Dubai AI Campus facility within the DIFC Zabeel District expansion. The proposed building will cover 100,000 square feet and support the development, testing, and commercialization of AI technologies.
The facility is expected to include AI laboratories where government entities and private companies can develop and test solutions before wider deployment. Plans also include secure AI development zones, computing infrastructure, digital twin environments and AI-powered building systems.
An AI Experience Centre will demonstrate applications across different industries. It will feature technologies developed by companies at the campus, alongside projects being tested across Dubai, and will be open to residents, students, visitors, delegations and investors.
The facility is intended to bring businesses, government organizations, investors and technology specialists together, helping them develop and test AI applications for practical use.
Dubai AI Festival Draws Global Technology Leaders
The third Dubai AI Festival brought together more than 20,000 attendees from over 100 countries, including policymakers, technology executives, entrepreneurs and investors. The event featured more than 150 speakers, 500 investors and 200 exhibitors.
During a tour of the exhibition, Sheikh Hamdan visited organizations demonstrating how AI is being used across different sectors.
At Dubai Medical University, he was briefed on applications of AI in medical education and clinical diagnostic training. He also visited ElevenLabs, which develops AI-powered audio, image and video tools; Amazon Web Services and Alibaba Cloud, which provide cloud computing and AI services; and Linkerbot, which specializes in robotic hands and advanced robotic control technologies.
The festival’s two-day program covered AI governance, innovation, ethics, immersive experiences, the future of work, AI literacy, investment and infrastructure. Speakers included representatives from UAE government entities and leaders from education, aviation, healthcare, telecommunications, technology and financial services.
Organized by Dubai AI Campus, part of DIFC, in collaboration with the Office of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, this year’s festival carried the theme “Where Intelligence Meets Opportunity.”
DIFC Positions AI as a Driver of Dubai’s Technology Economy
Essa Kazim, governor of DIFC, said artificial intelligence represented a new stage in Dubai’s efforts to develop its technology sector and attract businesses.
He said DIFC was bringing together companies, talent, capital and infrastructure to support AI development and adoption. The growth of Dubai AI Campus, alongside the planned facility in the Zabeel District, is intended to strengthen the emirate’s position in the global technology economy.
With more than 500 AI companies already associated with the campus and a new target of over 1,000 by 2030, Dubai is seeking to expand the number of businesses developing and applying artificial intelligence across industries.
The next phase will focus on attracting additional companies, creating specialized jobs, and providing the facilities needed to move AI projects from development and testing into practical applications.
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Photo: Wam
Source: KT
