Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has set ambitious new targets for the Dubai AI Campus, aiming to attract over 1,000 artificial intelligence companies and create more than 5,000 skilled jobs by 2030. This announcement was made during the opening of the third Dubai AI Festival at the Dubai World Trade Centre, marking a significant step in Dubai’s strategy to position itself as a global hub for the AI economy.
With the Dubai AI Campus already hosting more than 500 AI companies and securing over AED 1 billion in investments, Sheikh Hamdan’s new targets reflect the rapid growth and success of the initiative, which has exceeded its initial goals two years ahead of schedule. The campus, part of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has also contributed to the creation of over 2,000 specialized technology jobs.
Expanding Ambitions
The new targets represent a substantial expansion of the Dubai AI Campus strategy. Previously, the campus aimed to attract 500 AI and Web3 companies by 2028, creating 3,000 jobs and drawing in $300 million in investments. However, with the campus surpassing its initial goals, the focus has shifted to a more ambitious vision. Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, emphasized the importance of bringing together talent, capital, and technology to foster innovation and enhance human capabilities in the AI sector.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the critical role of artificial intelligence as a driver of technological and economic progress, stating that Dubai’s priority is to remain at the forefront of advanced technology adoption. This includes providing sophisticated infrastructure, flexible regulations, and access to global talent, enabling companies to translate AI innovations into sustainable economic value.
New Purpose-Built Facility
During the festival, Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed plans for a new purpose-built Dubai AI Campus facility within the DIFC Zabeel District. This facility, described as the world’s first of its kind, will span 100,000 square feet and serve as a central hub for AI development and innovation. It will feature advanced infrastructure, including GPU-ready systems and secure AI development zones, designed to support the commercialization of AI technologies.
The new building will also include AI Labs for developing and piloting AI solutions, as well as an AI Experience Centre to showcase applications across various sectors. Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, noted that this expansion aligns with Dubai’s ambition to become a global technology and innovation hub.
Dubai AI Festival Highlights
The Dubai AI Festival, taking place on October 26 and 27, has attracted over 20,000 participants from more than 100 countries, including policymakers, technology executives, and entrepreneurs. The event features over 150 speakers and 500 investors, reflecting the growing interest in AI adoption and its implications for various sectors.
Discussions at the festival cover a range of topics, including global AI governance, innovation, and the future of work, underscoring Dubai’s commitment to developing the foundations of an AI-driven economy. The festival is organized by the Dubai AI Campus in collaboration with the Office of the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.
As Dubai continues to push forward with its AI initiatives, the new targets for the Dubai AI Campus signify a bold step towards establishing the emirate as a leader in the global AI landscape, aligning with the broader Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to generate AED 100 billion annually through digital transformation.
For more details, visit Economy Middle East.
