How Dubai is working to 'build region's largest AI hubs'

Artificial intelligence is becoming a key pillar of growth at the Dubai International Financial Centre, where officials say the number of AI-focused firms has increased sharply.

There has been a surge in AI companies, with more than 160 currently registered at DIFC’s Innovation Hub, said its CEO, Mohammad Al Blooshi. The fintech accelerator aims to have 500 AI-enabled companies at the campus, a hub dedicated to AI and tech companies in the UAE, by 2028.

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“By default, I think there's a huge focus on artificial intelligence, be it startups or be it corporates, government,” Al Blooshi said. “Everyone is looking at artificial intelligence as a key focus area, as a key technology that they want to make sure is embedded in to whatever they're offering.” He added that DIFC is looking at implementing AI in their services.

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Looking into the future, Al Blooshi said that DIFC “wants to make sure our commitment is to build the region's largest AI hubs, and one of the leading fintech hubs. We are now ranked [among] the top five fintech hubs globally. Hopefully, we're able to push that number forward in fintech and AI.”

Alongside supporting companies, DIFC is also working on upskilling talent. Al Blooshi said the recently announced Dubai AI Academy will help support this goal.

DIFC will launch new initiatives in the space of climate finance, decentralised finance, and inclusive banking, said Arif Amiri, the CEO of DIFC Authority, said at the recently concluded Dubai FinTech Summit 2025, which took place on May 12 and May 13. He also said that the centre will focus on building an ecosystem where everybody will have access to finance, adding that “financial access is a right, not a privilege.

“Through the DIFC, we have built and created an environment that nurtures innovation while protecting integrity,” he said. “We have developed and built one of the most advanced financial ecosystems, home to over 1,300 fintech and innovation firms, a number that continues to grow at an unprecedented pace.”

DIFC is part of Dubai’s vision to diversify its economic resources and attract capital and investments in the region. Though it is within the UAE, it has its own independent jurisdiction and has its own legal and regulatory framework for civil and commercial issues.

• Dubai

Hind Aldah

• 

hind@khaleejtimes.com

Hind Aldah covers business, tech, crypto and all that jazz for a younger audience. In her spare time, you will find her playing classical guitar, painting amateur oil paintings, or crocheting the same old scarf that leads nowhere.