Dubai Holding partners with Microsoft to embed AI across core operations in Middle East and Africa region

Dubai: Dubai Holding has announced a collaboration with Microsoft to embed artificial intelligence (AI) at the core of its operations, positioning the group at the forefront of enterprise AI adoption in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

The collaboration represents the first deployment of its kind at enterprise scale in the region and reflects Dubai Holding’s strategic direction to integrate advanced technologies as core operational capabilities. The initiative aims to drive a more consistent, performance-led operating model across its portfolio, aligning with the UAE’s broader ambition to lead in artificial intelligence adoption.

Through this partnership, Dubai Holding will integrate AI into its core processes and decision-making frameworks, enabling greater operational efficiency across its diverse business segments, including real estate, hospitality, retail, entertainment, investments and community management.

Employees across the group will gain access to AI tools through a unified interface, allowing them to apply these capabilities directly in their day-to-day roles. This includes the development and deployment of AI agents to automate routine tasks and streamline workflows, marking a fundamental shift in how the organisation approaches productivity and decision-making.

The initiative will be supported by a structured programme of training and enablement, including targeted workshops and practical use-case development. This approach is designed to ensure consistent adoption across the organisation and enable employees to use these tools effectively in their roles.

By embedding AI at scale, Dubai Holding is contributing to Dubai’s broader digital transformation goals, in line with national strategies such as the UAE National AI Strategy 2031 and the Dubai AI Roadmap. The move reinforces the emirate’s position as a global hub for applied innovation and the responsible adoption of advanced technologies.

The collaboration reflects Dubai Holding’s broader approach to advancing artificial intelligence through strategic partnerships with leading global technology firms, including its existing joint venture, Aither, with Palantir Technologies.

Commenting on the partnership, Amit Kaushal, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding, said: “Technology is central to how we operate and create value across the organisation. Our collaboration with Microsoft reflects a deliberate step towards embedding artificial intelligence within our core operations, in line with Dubai’s broader digital transformation ambitions.”

Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, added: “The next phase of artificial intelligence will be defined by how organisations apply it at scale to drive productivity and long-term value. Our role is to support customers like Dubai Holding with the platforms and capabilities needed to integrate AI securely into their operations, while advancing responsible innovation that benefits employees, businesses and the wider economy.”