Dubai has firmly established itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence, with over 800 AI companies now thriving in the emirate.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, hailed this milestone, emphasizing Dubai's role at the forefront of technological transformation.

He attributes this success to the city’s advanced infrastructure, progressive regulations, and innovative services, which have attracted cutting-edge businesses from around the globe.

'AI plays a pivotal role in shaping future progress,' Sheikh Hamdan noted after reviewing a recent report from the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI).

The report highlights the rapid growth of the high-tech sector in Dubai, underscoring the emirate’s strategic initiatives in fostering an environment ripe for innovation and global excellence.

Of the AI companies identified, nearly three-quarters are small to medium enterprises or startups, highlighting Dubai as a fertile ground for emerging ventures.

Interestingly, two-thirds of these companies have chosen Dubai as their global headquarters.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating Dubai’s AI ecosystem, pointing out how such strategic collaborations have attracted substantial investments and talent.

The DCAI report, unveiled by Sheikh Hamdan at the innovative hub Area 2071 in Emirates Towers, aims to support Dubai's government entities in integrating future technologies to transform key sectors.

This aligns with Dubai's broader vision of leveraging AI to improve the quality of life across the emirate.

In a move to sustain this momentum, Sheikh Hamdan announced an ambitious plan last November to train one million individuals in artificial intelligence.

This scheme was revealed during a meeting with the president of Microsoft at the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the emirate's commitment to enhancing AI expertise domestically.

Further solidifying its global standing, the UAE was ranked fifth on the Global Vibrancy Tool 2024, a recognition of its leadership in AI.

Developed by the Stanford Institute for Human-Centred AI, this tool evaluates countries across various AI-specific indicators, including research output and private investment.

In June, Sheikh Hamdan launched a comprehensive AI Roadmap to attract top talent and companies to Dubai, underscoring the city's vision to drive AI adoption and enhance life quality.

With these strategic initiatives, Sheikh Hamdan affirms that 'the future is Dubai, and Dubai is the future.' As AI continues to shape global dynamics, Dubai remains committed to bold decisions and fostering an innovative business environment.