Rapid Growth of AI Sector in Abu Dhabi by 61% within a Year, Transforming the City into a Major Global AI Center
Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates' capital, is making waves in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, rapidly establishing itself as a leading global center for AI innovation and research. The emirate's AI sector has experienced a remarkable growth spurt, expanding by an impressive 61% from June 2023 to June 2024, making it the fastest-growing AI hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region [1][2][3][5].
Currently, Abu Dhabi is home to 673 AI companies, a notable concentration within the global landscape of approximately 90,904 AI firms worldwide as of 2024 [2][3][4][5]. This surge in AI companies is a testament to the emirate's commitment to fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem.
A Focus on Innovation and Research
About 58% of the AI companies in Abu Dhabi are dedicated to innovation, research, and consultancy, reflecting a thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurs, scientists, and global leaders [1][2][3][5]. This strong focus on innovation and research is a key factor in Abu Dhabi's rapid growth in the AI sector.
Rapid Startup Growth
The first half of 2025 saw the launch of over 150 new AI companies, driven by strategic investments, advanced infrastructure, and cross-sector demand [1][2][3][4][5]. This rapid startup growth underscores the attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a destination for AI ventures.
A Collaborative Ecosystem
The sector benefits from strong collaboration between government, industry, and innovators. Strategic institutions such as AIATC (Abu Dhabi Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council), ATRC (Advanced Technology Research Council), TII (Technology Innovation Institute), Hub71, and G42 play significant roles in accelerating AI adoption across industries [5].
Strategic Roadmap
Abu Dhabi has a three-year AI roadmap (2025–2028) focused on policy advocacy, easing business setup, ecosystem connectivity, and positioning the emirate as a global leader in AI innovation, research, and enterprise [1][2][5]. This strategic roadmap is a testament to the emirate's ambition to transform from an early adopter of AI technologies into a global epicenter for AI-driven real-world transformation.
Global Ambition and Competitiveness
The growth and ecosystem development aim to reinforce Abu Dhabi's status as a centre for innovation and enterprise. The AI and technology sector in Abu Dhabi is setting itself apart with a distinctive competitive edge, further solidifying its status as a global leader in AI-driven enterprise, innovation, and research [1][3][5].
His Excellency Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Chamber, emphasizes the importance of fostering connections and creating conditions for innovation to thrive. A dedicated Advocacy Working Group on Artificial Intelligence and Technology has been established in Abu Dhabi, bringing together sector leaders.
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
One of the key institutions driving this growth is the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world's first graduate level, research-focused university dedicated to AI. MBZUAI offers specialist programs in fields such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and statistics and data science. The university consistently ranks among the top global institutions for AI research impact.
In addition, TII and MBZUAI are making advances in open-source AI models that are accessible to researchers and innovators globally. These open-source models are expected to further fuel the growth and innovation in Abu Dhabi's AI sector.
Transforming Industries
The AI sector in Abu Dhabi is rapidly transforming various industries, including healthcare, logistics, finance, and education, positioning it as a global epicentre of AI innovation and growth. The emirate's commitment to harnessing the power of AI is evident in its efforts to leverage AI to improve the quality of life, drive economic growth, and enhance the competitiveness of its industries.
In the past six months (January to June 2025), 150 new AI companies have been launched in Abu Dhabi. With its strategic roadmap, collaborative ecosystem, and focus on innovation and research, Abu Dhabi is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory in the AI sector. The emirate's AI sector is not just about numbers, but also about a vibrant, diverse community of entrepreneurs and scientists recognizing Abu Dhabi as a magnet for groundbreaking technology ventures.
In conclusion, Abu Dhabi's rapid growth in the AI sector is a testament to its commitment to innovation, research, and the development of a thriving AI ecosystem. With its strategic roadmap, collaborative ecosystem, and focus on innovation and research, Abu Dhabi is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory in the AI sector, transforming various industries and positioning itself as a global epicentre of AI innovation and growth.
- Technology plays a crucial role in Abu Dhabi's AI sector, as it enables the development of open-source AI models, accessible to researchers and innovators globally, further fueling growth and innovation in the emirate.
- The expansion of healthcare through AI is one of the transformative effects in Abu Dhabi, enhancing the quality of life and driving economic growth, as the emirate leverages AI to improve various sectors, including education, finance, and logistics.
- The AI-driven transformation in Abu Dhabi extends to the education sector, with institutions like the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) offering specialized programs in AI research, attracting the brightest minds and positioning the emirate as a global leader in AI-driven enterprise, innovation, and research.
