Dubai solidified its position as a frontrunner in artificial intelligence (AI) with the inauguration of the Dubai AI Campus cluster on Saturday. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, officially opened the campus located at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Innovation Hub. This marks the first phase of the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (DUB. AI), a far-reaching initiative designed to propel Dubai's adoption of AI across all sectors.
The Dubai AI Campus is envisioned as the largest dedicated hub for AI and advanced technologies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. By attracting over 500 companies and creating more than 3, 000 jobs, the campus is expected to become a thriving ecosystem for AI research, development, and innovation. Startups will benefit from access to supercomputing resources for training AI algorithms, along with a supportive regulatory environment that fosters the growth of next-generation AI businesses.
The launch of the AI Campus aligns perfectly with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33, a strategic plan that aims to generate AED 100 billion annually for the emirate's economy through digital transformation projects over the next decade. This initiative positions Dubai as a global hub for the digital economy and a major player in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Experts predict that AI will contribute a staggering $230 billion to the Middle East's economy by 2030, with the UAE's GDP expected to benefit significantly, reaching 14% by the same year. The Dubai AI Campus is well-positioned to capitalize on this potential, serving as a magnet for talent and investment in the AI sector.
Sheikh Hamdan expressed his confidence that Dubai will continue to be a beacon for economic prosperity, not just regionally but globally, by attracting innovative minds and businesses. The inauguration of the Dubai AI Campus marks a significant step towards achieving this vision and solidifies Dubai's reputation as a leading AI powerhouse.