Sheikh Hamdan sets ambitious new goal for Dubai AI Campus: 1,000 companies by 2030

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved a revised target for the Dubai AI Campus, aiming to host over 1,000 artificial intelligence companies and generate more than 5,000 specialised jobs by 2030. The announcement came on the opening day of the third Dubai AI Festival, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 26-27 October.

Launched in May 2024, the dedicated AI hub has already drawn more than 500 AI firms, which together have raised over Dh1 billion in private equity and venture capital funding. The campus has also contributed to the creation of more than 2,000 specialised technology jobs, according to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). These figures mean the campus has exceeded its original five-year targets for company attraction and investment two years ahead of schedule.

New target for Dubai AI Campus

“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,” Sheikh Hamdan said. He is Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. “This will enable companies and innovators to develop AI technologies and translate their potential into sustainable economic value.”

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, noted that the campus had already achieved its 2028 target of 500 AI companies two years early. “We are now raising our ambition to more than 1,000 companies and over 5,000 jobs by 2030,” he said.

Dubai AI Festival draws global crowd

The third edition of the Dubai AI Festival has attracted more than 20,000 attendees from over 100 countries, including policymakers, technology leaders and entrepreneurs. The programme features over 150 speakers, 500 investors and 200 exhibitors. Sheikh Hamdan underlined Dubai’s commitment to investing in advanced technologies to drive economic growth, with artificial intelligence playing an increasingly central role in business transformation and innovation.

The two-day event covers global AI governance, innovation, ethics, immersive experiences, the future of work, AI literacy, investment and infrastructure. Speakers include representatives from UAE government entities and leaders from sectors such as education, aviation, healthcare, telecommunications, technology and financial services. The festival is organised by Dubai AI Campus, part of DIFC, in collaboration with the Office of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. This year’s theme is ‘Where Intelligence Meets Opportunity’.

New purpose-built facility planned

Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed plans for a new Dubai AI Campus building within the DIFC Zabeel District expansion. The 100,000-square-foot facility is designed to support the development, testing and commercialisation of AI technologies. It will include AI laboratories where government entities and private companies can develop and test solutions before wider deployment, as well as secure AI development zones, computing infrastructure, digital twin environments and AI-powered building systems.

An AI Experience Centre within the building will showcase applications across different sectors, including innovations developed by campus companies and projects being tested across Dubai. The centre will be open to residents, students, visitors, delegations and investors. The facility aims to bring together businesses, government entities, investors and technology specialists to accelerate AI adoption across the emirate.

Global AI innovations showcased

During a tour of the exhibition, Sheikh Hamdan visited local and international organisations demonstrating AI applications across industries. At Dubai Medical University, he was briefed on AI use in medical education and clinical diagnostic training. He also visited ElevenLabs, which develops AI-powered audio, image and video tools; cloud computing and AI providers Amazon Web Services and Alibaba Cloud; and Linkerbot, a specialist in robotic hands and advanced robotic control technologies.

Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said: “Dubai has long pursued a clear vision of becoming a global hub for technology and innovation, creating an environment where new ideas, industries and businesses can thrive. Artificial intelligence represents the next defining chapter in this ambition. DIFC is helping translate this vision into tangible outcomes by bringing together the companies, talent, capital and infrastructure needed to accelerate AI innovation and adoption. The continued growth of Dubai AI Campus and the development of its new purpose-built facility in DIFC Zabeel District will further strengthen Dubai’s position as a global leader in AI and the technology economy.”