Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has unveiled an ambitious strategy to position the emirate as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI).

The “Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence” is designed to contribute $27.2 billion to the Dubai economy by nurturing the expansion of the digital sector.

In its inaugural phase this year, the initiative will focus on several key initiatives. Government entities will appoint Chief AI Officers to cultivate internal expertise. Meanwhile, educational institutions will introduce “AI Week” to raise student awareness and enthusiasm for AI.

Additionally, dedicated incubators for AI and Web3 technologies will be established, and land allocation for data centers will be expedited to support infrastructure development. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce a new commercial license specifically for AI businesses.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the plan’s dual focus: boosting the economy and improving citizen well-being. 

By adopting AI solutions across various sectors, Dubai aims to increase economic productivity by 50% and contribute an additional $27.2 billion through the digital economy. The blueprint will be reviewed and updated annually to ensure it is aligned with the current technological advancements.

Beyond economic benefits, the plan strives to create an attractive environment for AI companies and global talent. This will involve fostering business competitiveness through advanced infrastructure, flexible regulations, and a supportive ecosystem that encourages the development of cutting-edge AI technologies and industries.