Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence sector has grown significantly over the past year, with new figures showing a 61% increase in AI-focused companies between June 2023 and June 2024.
According to data released by the Abu Dhabi Chamber, the emirate is now home to 673 AI companies, marking it as one of the fastest-growing AI hubs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Globally, there are just over 90,000 AI companies as of 2024, placing Abu Dhabi’s share among the more concentrated AI ecosystems worldwide.
University and research base
The growth is supported by several AI-focused institutions, including the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), which is the world’s first graduate-level university dedicated entirely to AI. The university offers specialist programmes in fields such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and statistics.
Other key players in Abu Dhabi’s AI ecosystem include the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), and companies like G42, AI71, Hub71, and Space42.
These organisations are working across sectors such as healthcare, logistics, finance, and education, and have developed open-source AI models that are accessible to the global research community.
Focus on innovation and consultancy
The Abu Dhabi Chamber noted that more than 58% of the emirate’s AI companies focus on research, innovation, or consultancy. In the first half of 2025 alone, 150 new AI companies were launched, driven by demand across sectors and strong infrastructure support.
His Excellency Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence sector is rapidly evolving from early adoption to real-world transformation, with a growing share of activity rooted in research, strategic consultancy, and enterprise-level solutions. This surge is not only about numbers; it reflects a vibrant, diverse community of entrepreneurs, scientists, and global leaders who recognise Abu Dhabi as a magnet for groundbreaking technology ventures.”
He added: “What sets this ecosystem apart is the strength of collaboration between government and business, global leaders and emerging innovators, and research and industry. At the Chamber, we see it as our responsibility to foster these connections and create the conditions for innovation to thrive, not as an exception but as the standard.”
Strategic roadmap in place
The Abu Dhabi Chamber has introduced a new strategic roadmap for 2025–2028, focusing on policy advocacy, ease of doing business, and ecosystem connectivity.
As part of this strategy, a dedicated Advocacy Working Group on Artificial Intelligence and Technology has been formed to bring together sector leaders and shape future growth across the emirate.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
