AI startups from around the world are increasingly establishing roots in the UAE, drawn by its accelerating innovation ecosystem and rising reputation as a hub for research and talent.
The trend was highlighted at the Dubai Assembly for AI, part of Dubai AI Week 2025.
In a panel titled Dubai as a Launchpad, Sachin Dev Duggal, Founder and Chief Wizard of Builder.ai, said Dubai’s market stability and pro-innovation leadership made the UAE a strategic choice. “The demand across the GCC is massive, and the legislation reflects a real openness to AI-powered platforms,” he said.
Other speakers echoed this sentiment. Jad Antoun, CEO of Huspy, called the UAE’s Golden Visa programme a “gamechanger” for talent attraction, while Leap71 CEO Lin Kayser described Dubai as “a breath of fresh air” for founders.
The event also spotlighted AI’s impact within the public sector. RTA’s Chief AI Officer, Mohammed AlMudharreb, revealed their chatbot had handled over 23 million conversations.
“When data, alignment, and execution meet, results follow,”
he said.
A global survey presented by IBM and the Dubai Future Foundation showed just 25% of executives believe their infrastructure is ready for AI at scale, underscoring the challenges ahead.
Meanwhile, in a discussion on investment, startup leaders praised Dubai’s diverse, strategically positioned, and innovation-friendly environment.
“With AI, the region isn’t just catching up—it’s leading,”
said CozmoX AI co-founder Nuha Hashem.
In a fireside chat, Animoca Brands’ Yat Siu likened AI’s educational role to the early days of calculators, warning that without equitable access to infrastructure, AI could deepen global divides.
As momentum builds, Dubai is positioning itself not just as an adopter of AI, but as a global leader shaping its future.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
