Abu Dhabi Emerges as a Global Hub for Artificial Intelligence Innovation

Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector is growing at an incredible pace, making the emirate a leading global center for AI development and innovation.

Recent data from the Abu Dhabi Chamber reveals that the number of AI companies in the city has jumped by 61% from June 2023 to June 2024, now totaling 673 firms. With around 90,900 AI companies worldwide, Abu Dhabi’s growing cluster stands out as one of the fastest expanding in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and increasingly important on the global stage.

One key to this success is the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first graduate-level university focused entirely on AI research. MBZUAI attracts top talent from around the world and is highly ranked for its research in areas like machine learning, robotics, and natural language processing. This shows Abu Dhabi’s strong commitment to innovation and building a skilled AI workforce.

Abu Dhabi’s AI progress is also supported by several specialized organizations, such as the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), among others. These institutions work together to push AI forward in vital sectors like healthcare, logistics, finance, and education. Both TII and MBZUAI are making breakthroughs in open-source AI models, which benefit researchers and developers worldwide.

More than half of Abu Dhabi’s AI companies focus on research, innovation, and consultancy—proof of a mature and research-driven ecosystem. Just in the first half of 2025, 150 new AI companies were launched, fueled by strategic investments and growing demand across different industries.

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 AI sector is moving beyond early adoption into real-world transformation. We’re seeing more activity in research, strategic consulting, and enterprise solutions. This growth is about more than just numbers—it reflects a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, scientists, and global leaders who view Abu Dhabi as a hotspot for cutting-edge technology.”

He added, “What makes this ecosystem unique is the strong collaboration between government, business, innovators, and researchers. At the Chamber, we are committed to supporting these partnerships and ensuring innovation thrives here—not as an exception, but as the norm.”

Looking ahead, the Abu Dhabi Chamber has introduced a new strategic roadmap for 2025-2028 that focuses on making it easier to do business, improving policy support, and enhancing connectivity within the AI ecosystem. An Advocacy Working Group on Artificial Intelligence and Technology is already bringing together leaders to shape the future of AI in Abu Dhabi, further strengthening the emirate’s position as a global innovation hub.