Dubai has launched a new initiative to accelerate the adoption of “Agentic AI” across its private sector, as part of a broader push to strengthen its position in the global digital economy.

Announced by Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE, the two-year program is designed to transition businesses towards more autonomous, self-executing AI systems that can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and support scalable growth.

“Our goal is for Dubai to become the world’s leading city in adopting these technologies economically and commercially, giving us a new competitive edge for the future,” Sheikh Hamdan said, adding that the initiative aims to “empower our companies to adopt these technologies that will boost productivity, expand business volumes and reshape the city’s economy.”

As part of the program, specialized training tracks will be introduced for business councils affiliated with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. The initiative also includes the launch of incubators for Agentic AI companies and the creation of dedicated funding mechanisms to support startups and emerging ventures in the space.

Officials said the move is intended to position Dubai as a global leader in the commercial adoption of advanced AI technologies while creating new economic opportunities, particularly for young talent and entrepreneurs.

The initiative builds on Dubai’s wider digital transformation agenda under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which prioritizes innovation, advanced infrastructure, and the development of future-focused industries.

Dubai Chambers is expected to play a central role in implementation. His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, said the initiative “opens new horizons for sustainable economic growth” and will be supported through training programs, incubators, and funding to help entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable businesses.

Industry leaders also highlighted the significance of the shift. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of Abdulla Al Ghurair Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mashreq Bank, said the transition to Agentic AI represents “a significant opportunity for the private sector to invest in young talent and develop future-ready business models that drive productivity.”

Similarly, Ahmad bin Byat, Vice Chairman of Dubai Chambers and Vice Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, described the initiative as “an advanced stage in Dubai’s digital transformation,” noting that enabling businesses to adopt autonomous systems will “significantly enhance productivity and operational efficiency.”

Taken together, the initiative reflects Dubai’s continued focus on embedding artificial intelligence at the core of its economic model, moving beyond experimentation towards large-scale, commercially driven adoption of next-generation technologies.