Hamdan bin Mohammed approves new Dubai AI Campus targets of 1,000 companies and 5,000 jobs by 2030

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, today attended the opening of the third edition of the Dubai AI Festival, which runs at the Dubai World Trade Centre until 27 October 2026. The festival has attracted more than 20,000 participants from over 100 countries, including policymakers, technology leaders and entrepreneurs. It also brings together more than 150 speakers, 500 investors and 200 exhibitors. Upon his arrival, Sheikh Hamdan was received by His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Organised by Dubai AI Campus, part of DIFC, in collaboration with the Office of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, the festival is being held under the theme ‘Where Intelligence Meets Opportunity’ and is focused on exploring the next phase of AI adoption. Investing in promising sectors His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that Dubai, guided by the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, continues to take a proactive approach to investing in promising sectors and advanced technologies that create new opportunities for economic growth. His Highness said artificial intelligence has become one of the world's most significant drivers of technological and economic progress, offering immense opportunities to transform businesses and develop innovative solutions. “Our priority is to position Dubai at the forefront of adopting advanced technologies by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, a flexible regulatory environment and access to the world's best talent and expertise. This will enable companies and innovators to develop AI technologies and translate their potential into sustainable economic value,” His Highness said. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the important role of DIFC in realising this vision by bringing together technology companies, innovators, investors and global institutions within an integrated ecosystem that further strengthens Dubai's position as a leading global hub for technology and innovation. His Highness was briefed by His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, on the progress and impact of Dubai AI Campus, which has exceeded its original five-year targets for the number of companies and investment volumes two years ahead of schedule. Since its launch in May 2024, the campus has attracted more than 500 AI companies, which have collectively secured over AED1 billion in investment from private equity and venture capital funds. It has also contributed to the creation of more than 2,000 specialised technology jobs. His Highness commended DIFC’s achievements, emphasising the importance of building on this progress and pursuing new opportunities for growth through stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. Sheikh Hamdan also approved a new strategic target for Dubai AI Campus to attract more than 1,000 AI companies and create over 5,000 highly skilled jobs by 2030, further establishing the campus as a global destination for specialised talent in the sector. Tour During his tour of the exhibition accompanying the third edition of the Dubai AI Festival, His Highness visited the stands of several leading local and international organisations. At Dubai Medical University, he was briefed on the integration of AI into medical education and clinical diagnostic training. His Highness also visited ElevenLabs, which develops AI-powered solutions for creating and editing audio, images and videos in more than 90 languages; Amazon Web Services (AWS), which provides cloud computing and AI solutions; and Alibaba Cloud, which combines cloud computing, AI and advanced data analytics to help businesses drive innovation and improve operational efficiency. The tour also included Linkerbot, a company specialising in high-precision robotic hands and advanced robotic control technologies. His Highness was accompanied during the tour by His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority. Dubai AI Campus His Highness also reviewed the architectural vision and development plans for the new Dubai AI Campus building, described as the world's first purpose-built facility of its kind. Located within the DIFC Zabeel District expansion, the future Dubai AI Campus building will serve as a central hub for AI development and innovation, reinforcing Dubai's position as a living laboratory for the AI-driven economy.