Dubai looks towards a $27 billion digital economy boost, with artificial intelligence as a handy companion in this growth. AI is also estimated to make up 14% of the UAE’s GDP by  2030. 

Further adding to the city’s digital transformation, Dubai’s AI Campus, set to be the largest dedicated cluster of AI and advanced tech in the MENA region,  has been officially inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, at the Innovation Hub, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC.) 

The AI hub will attract 500 companies and create more than 3,000 jobs by 2028. It is part of phase one of the annual Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, which seeks to accelerate AI adoption across all relevant sectors.

In a post on X account, Sheikh Hamdan said: “Startups will have access to supercomputers for training AI algorithms and a supportive legislative environment to foster the growth of next-generation AI companies. The campus aims to attract over 500 companies, create more than 3,000 job opportunities, and expand to over 100,000 square feet by 2028. Additionally, we will establish global technological partnerships with leading companies in the sector.”

Phase one of the campus is already complete, with more than 75 businesses registered on a 10,000-square-foot lot. Phase two will extend over 100,000 square feet and aim to attract over 500 companies and create more than 3,000 jobs by 2028.

Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre, said, “Through Dubai and DIFC’s innovative structure, startups have direct access to investors, investment funds, major corporations, and traditional financial institutions. This ensures that high-potential businesses receive the necessary funding to achieve their goals.”

Arif Amiri, CEO of the DIFC Authority, said, “Dubai AI Campus helps accelerate the objectives of DIFC’s 2030 Strategy, which aims to further empower our growing fintech and innovation ecosystem.

The Dubai AI campus cluster will provide high computing capabilities, including DGX platforms and business accelerator programs that advance the implementation of AI applications in the private sector.