Abu Dhabi strengthen its position asa global epicentre of AI innovation

Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector is undergoing an extraordinary acceleration, positioning the emirate as a global epicentre of AI innovation and growth.

According to data published by the Abu Dhabi Chamber, the emirate, with 673 AI companies, has experienced a 61 per cent increase in the AI sector between June 2023 to June 2024.

Globally, there are approximately 90,904 AI companies as of 2024, which places Abu Dhabi’s AI company count as a notable concentration within the global landscape.

The findings highlight Abu Dhabi’s rise as the fastest growing centre for artificial intelligence in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) and a global leader in AI- driven enterprise, innovation, and research.

Abu Dhabi is setting global standards for the adoption of AI across strategic sectors, supported by a constellation of unique institutions and establishments, including the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), responsible for developing and implementing policies and strategies related to research, infrastructure and investments in AI and advanced technology, the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), AI71, Hub71, G42, and Space42 GIQ.

Abu Dhabi Chamber has revealed that over 58 per cent of all AI firms in the emirate are dedicated to innovation, research, and consultancy - clear evidence of a sophisticated, research-driven business environment.

The past six months (January to June 2025) alone have seen the launch of 150 new AI companies, driven by strategic investment, advanced infrastructure, and cross-sector demand in Abu Dhabi.

Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, "Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence sector is rapidly evolving from early adoption to real-world transformation, with a growing share of activity rooted in research, strategic consultancy, and enterprise-level solutions." He noted that this surge is not only about numbers; it reflects a vibrant, diverse community of entrepreneurs, scientists, and global leaders who recognise Abu Dhabi as a magnet for groundbreaking technology ventures.

"What sets this ecosystem apart is the strength of collaboration between government and business, global leaders and emerging innovators, and research and industry. At the Chamber, we see it as our responsibility to foster these connections and create the conditions for innovation to thrive, not as an exception but as the standard,” Al Dhaheri added.

At the heart of this transformation is the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s new strategic roadmap (2025-2028), which places the ease of doing business, policy advocacy, and ecosystem connectivity at its core.

A dedicated Advocacy Working Group on Artificial Intelligence and Technology brings together sector leaders who are actively shaping the future of AI in Abu Dhabi, giving the emirate a distinctive competitive edge and reinforcing its status as a centre for innovation and enterprise.

Meanwhile Ahmad Jamal, Regional Director of Artificial Intelligence Solutions at NVIDIA, affirmed that the UAE has made significant strides in establishing itself as a regional and global hub for artificial intelligence (AI). He noted that the country has transitioned from the phase of investing in infrastructure and technologies to a stage of achieving returns and productivity on both economic and technological levels.

In a statement to Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Dubai AI Festival, Jamal highlighted that the UAE has launched the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, which aims to increase AI’s contribution to 14% of the country’s GDP. This reflects a genuine shift toward a knowledge-based economy and embodies the ambitious vision of the UAE’s wise leadership.

He explained that the Abu Dhabi government is working toward achieving 100% implementation of AI technologies in government entities by the year 2027. The strategy also aims to generate up to Dhs 24 billion in GDP from the AI sector over the next few years.

Jamal added that the UAE was among the first countries to adopt a comprehensive approach to AI technologies, beginning with the establishment of the world’s first Ministry of Artificial Intelligence in 2017 and the appointment of the first minister for this future-oriented technology. This laid the groundwork for rapid developments that have placed the UAE among the leading nations in the field.

He emphasised that the UAE is not only building advanced digital infrastructure but is also developing a fully integrated cybersecurity framework. He pointed to the launch of a Cybersecurity centre of Excellence in collaboration with Google as a key example.

Jamal also noted that the world is currently witnessing a qualitative shift from generative AI to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and that the Dubai AI Festival is seeing the launch of a new AI model developed entirely in Dubai and set to be released globally. This underscores the UAE’s pioneering role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

WAM