Dubai is stepping up its ambitions to become a global artificial intelligence hub, with plans to more than double the number of companies operating within the Dubai AI Campus by 2030.
The announcement came as His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, attended the opening of the third edition of the Dubai AI Festival at Dubai World Trade Centre.
The event has attracted more than 20,000 participants from over 100 countries, including policymakers, technology leaders, investors and entrepreneurs, under the theme 'Where Intelligence Meets Opportunity'.
During the festival, Sheikh Hamdan approved a new strategic target for the Dubai AI Campus to attract more than 1,000 AI companies and create over 5,000 highly skilled jobs by 2030.
The campus, launched in 2024, has already surpassed its original five-year targets, attracting more than 500 AI companies and securing over AED 1 billion in private equity and venture capital investment.
Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed plans for a purpose-built Dubai AI Campus facility in DIFC's Zabeel District, which will provide specialised infrastructure, AI labs and innovation spaces aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of artificial intelligence technologies.
He highlighted the importance of providing world-class infrastructure, a flexible regulatory environment and access to international talent to help businesses develop AI solutions and turn innovation into sustainable economic value.
The two-day festival features more than 150 speakers, 500 investors and 200 exhibitors, with discussions focusing on AI governance, innovation, ethics, investment, infrastructure and the future of work.
Today, I attended the opening of the 3rd Dubai AI Festival, which brings together more than 20,000 participants from 100 countries, 150 speakers, 500 investors and 200 exhibitors. I also reviewed the achievements of Dubai AI Campus at DIFC and its latest expansion within Zabeel… pic.twitter.com/8p2gcBxamG
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) October 26, 2026
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