Dubai is swiftly establishing itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI), drawing startups and visionary talent from around the world.
The city’s reputation as a center for research, innovation, and technology was reinforced during the Dubai Assembly for AI, held as part of Dubai AI Week 2025.
In a panel titled “Dubai as a Launchpad: Competing on the Global Stage”, Sachin Dev Duggal, founder of Builder.ai, revealed why his company moved its headquarters to Dubai.
Duggal cited the region’s strong market demand—particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—as well as the Emirate’s stable environment and open embrace of AI platform development.
“There is a unique alignment of capital, talent, and R&D here,” said Duggal. “Dubai provides the ideal conditions for building transformative technology.”
Jad Antoun, CEO of Huspy, pointed to the UAE’s Golden Visa programme as a game-changer in facilitating international business development and attracting top-tier talent.
Lin Kayser, CEO of Leap71, shared a similar sentiment, describing Dubai as a welcoming and supportive place for entrepreneurs. “The energy here is refreshing,” said Kayser.
Another key session titled “Global CAIOs: Early Study Findings by Dubai Future Foundation & IBM” delved into AI’s role in reshaping government operations.
Mohammed AlMudharreb, Executive Director at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), disclosed that their AI chatbot has handled over 23 million conversations, highlighting the value of well-integrated data and streamlined execution.
Juma AlGhaith, Advisor at Dubai Customs, emphasized that AI is transforming systems at their core rather than offering just incremental enhancements. “We’re seeing a shift from traditional to intelligent operations,” he said.
International perspectives also featured prominently in the discussion. Mario Nobile, Director-General of the Agency for Digital Italy, stressed the need for collaboration rather than competition in defining global AI standards.
Anthony Marshall from IBM shared insights from a recent survey of 624 Chief AI Officers (CAIOs) across 22 countries, revealing that only 25% believe their infrastructure is currently prepared to scale AI. Despite leading teams averaging just five members, CAIOs face mounting pressures to deliver.
The panel “Fuelling the Future: Investing in AI Startups within Dubai’s Ecosystem” showcased the city’s appeal to entrepreneurs. Akshat Prakash, CTO and Co-founder of CAMB.AI, credited Dubai’s multicultural environment, strategic location, and innovation-friendly policies as critical ingredients for building globally competitive companies.
Nuha Hashem, Co-founder of CozmoX AI, reflected on the UAE’s rapid AI adoption, contrasting it with its more hesitant approach during the dotcom era.
“Today, local companies are developing world-first solutions,” she said. As a female founder, Hashem noted the country’s merit-based support system. “In the UAE, your vision and contribution define your value—not your gender.”
A fireside chat titled “Revolutionising Education Through Metaverse and AI” featured Yat Siu, Co-founder of Animoca Brands. He compared current skepticism about AI to early resistance to calculators in schools.
Siu warned that without equitable access to infrastructure and training data, AI could widen global inequalities, urging governments to provide necessary support.
With its supportive ecosystem, progressive policies, and global outlook, Dubai is not just riding the AI wave—it’s helping to shape its future.