Sheikh Hamdan Launches DUB.AI to Future-Proof Dubai and Lead Global AI Push

Announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, DUB.AI is designed to accelerate the city’s AI adoption across all sectors, from government operations to education, industry, and public services. The launch took place during a meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, which Sheikh Hamdan chairs.

“We want to be the most future-ready city and to continue preparing for the AI era by developing expertise and skills that support global technological transformation, placing Dubai at the forefront of innovation,” Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement.

At the heart of the DUB.AI strategy is its alignment with Dubai's broader Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy over the next decade. AI will play a central role in that transformation, contributing an estimated AED 100 billion annually through increased digital productivity, innovation, and efficiency.

The initiative calls for the appointment of Chief AI Officers in every government department, signaling a major shift in the public sector’s approach to digital governance. These officers will be tasked with embedding AI capabilities into day-to-day services, operations, and decision-making frameworks.

Additionally, DUB.AI includes regulatory reforms to simplify business licensing for AI-related startups, the launch of dedicated AI campuses and incubators, and the establishment of new AI research centers in collaboration with global technology partners.

Recognizing the importance of human capital in its AI journey, Dubai is rolling out a number of education-focused initiatives to train the next generation of tech-savvy professionals. Among them is the "One Million Prompters" program, launched by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which aims to train one million individuals in AI prompt engineering and natural language processing skills.

Dubai’s schools and universities will also play a role in fostering a strong AI ecosystem. During the upcoming Dubai AI Week, educational institutions will host workshops, competitions, and exhibitions to engage students with real-world AI applications.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that developing national capabilities in artificial intelligence is a strategic necessity for Dubai’s future. He highlighted that the DUB.AI initiative will create new opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs, attract global talent, and support the growth of a resilient, knowledge-based economy.

Dubai has already made notable strides in institutionalizing AI governance. The DCAI, operating under the Dubai Future Foundation, serves as a central platform for driving AI adoption in the government. It has already implemented generative AI use cases across 30 public entities, covering over 100 initiatives.

The DUB.AI blueprint expands on this by committing to annual AI summits, starting with the AI Retreat 2025, which will bring together government leaders, AI researchers, and business executives to discuss cutting-edge applications and challenges. The event is expected to become a recurring fixture in the global AI calendar, further boosting Dubai’s visibility in the tech space.

Dubai’s leadership is also advocating for responsible AI development. The blueprint underscores the importance of transparency, ethics, and public trust in the deployment of AI technologies, signaling a balanced approach between innovation and regulation.

With DUB.AI, Dubai is not only future-proofing its economy, it is signaling its ambition to lead the global conversation on AI. By embedding artificial intelligence in its social and economic fabric, Dubai aims to create a model that can be replicated by other forward-thinking cities around the world.

The Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI reflects the emirate’s proactive vision of building the future rather than waiting for it. The initiative positions Dubai to lead by example, driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.