UAE Sets Eyes on Attracting 10,000 AI Firms Over the Next Five Years in Bid to Become Global AI Startup Hub
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has set an ambitious goal to attract 10,000 artificial intelligence (AI) companies within the next five years as part of its broader strategy to become the world’s leading hub for technology-driven innovation.
Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Sultan Al Olama, made the disclosure during a fireside chat with Yasir Khan, Editor-in-Chief of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, at the Expand North Star event in Dubai. The discussion focused on the topic, “The Next Decade of Startup Innovation: Positioning UAE as the World’s Startup Capital.”
“The government’s goal is to attract 10,000 AI companies into the UAE over the next five years,” Al Olama stated.
“We already have over 1,500 pure AI companies, which is the highest in the region. But we don’t believe we’ve reached the endpoint. This is just the starting point,” he added.
According to the Minister, the UAE’s AI agenda is driven by a holistic vision that goes beyond economic growth and productivity, focusing instead on enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors.
He cited the UAE’s smart gate system at Dubai International Airport as a prime example of how AI is improving daily experiences.
“Anyone with UAE residency or citizenship can pass through Dubai Airport without showing a passport or interacting with a human being. You simply walk through the smart gate, look at the camera, and continue your journey,” he said. “That is a use of AI that enhances quality of life, not one that seeks attention or spectacle.”
Speaking further, Al Olama emphasised that the UAE is committed to developing “safe and non-controversial” applications of AI, underpinned by strong cybersecurity oversight.
“The National Cyber Security Council ensures that our AI models are safe, reliable, and effectively deployed,” he explained. “We are focused on uses that work quietly in the background — secure, efficient, and people-centric.”
He further outlined sectors where AI is already being integrated effectively, including infrastructure development, where the technology has been instrumental in saving costs, boosting efficiency, and improving safety standards.
“AI allows us to complete projects faster and more efficiently while enhancing safety,” the minister said. “We’re also exploring applications in tourism, though we are proceeding cautiously to avoid privacy and data misuse concerns.”
Al Olama also noted that attracting top global talent remains central to the UAE’s AI strategy.
“To create this ecosystem, we need a flywheel effect where the best and brightest minds can come and work for the UAE,” he said.
The UAE, which launched the world’s first Ministry of Artificial Intelligence in 2017, continues to strengthen its position as a pioneer in responsible AI adoption, balancing innovation with ethical and societal considerations.
Being an early AI adaptor and innovator, the UAE’s AI sector is among the world’s most advanced. The UAE appointed the world’s first AI minister in 2017, created the first dedicated AI research university in 2020, and launched Falcon, a top-rated open-source large language model in 2023.
The UAE is aiming to be a global leader in artificial intelligence by the year 2031.
About Expand North Star
Expand North Star, the world’s largest startup and investor connector event, is an annual technology startup event organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.
Expand North Star showcases startups in front of tech industry professionals from more than 100 countries worldwide.
This year’s event marks the tenth anniversary of the Expand North Star having started since 2016.
The event has enabled thousands of digital startups to secure multi-million-dollar investment deals and forge strategic partnerships to accelerate their global growth.
The event has become a vital launchpad for startups, connecting innovators with capital and markets, and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a capital of the digital economy.
Over 2,000 international startups, 1,000 investors, 70,000 attendees and 350 distinguished speakers are participating in this year’s event.
As a flagship initiative of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Expand North Star supports Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for innovation and technology.
