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Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector has expanded 61 per cent between June 2023 and June 2024, reaching 673 companies and positioning the emirate as the fastest-growing AI hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), data from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Abu Dhabi Chamber) showed.
The emirate now accounts for a notable share of the world’s 90,904 AI companies and is aiming to cement its role as a global leader in AI-driven enterprise, innovation and research.
The growth is underpinned by institutions such as the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) – the world’s first graduate-level research university dedicated to AI – which ranks among the top global institutions for AI research impact.
The university’s programmes in machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics and data science are drawing top-tier talent.
AI ecosystem supported by AIATC, ATRC, TII and others
Abu Dhabi’s AI ecosystem is also supported by the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), AI71, Hub71, G42 and Space42 GIQ.
These bodies are advancing adoption in sectors from healthcare and logistics to finance and education, with TII and MBZUAI developing open-source AI models accessible to researchers worldwide.
More than 58 per cent of AI firms in Abu Dhabi focus on innovation, research and consultancy, according to the chamber.
From January to June 2025, 150 new AI companies were launched, driven by strategic investment, infrastructure and demand.
“Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence sector is rapidly evolving from early adoption to real-world transformation,” said Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, second VC and MD of the Abu Dhabi Chamber. “This surge is not only about numbers; it reflects a vibrant, diverse community of entrepreneurs, scientists and global leaders who recognise Abu Dhabi as a magnet for groundbreaking technology ventures.”
He added, “What sets this ecosystem apart is the strength of collaboration between government and business, global leaders and emerging innovators, and research and industry.”
The chamber has launched a 2025-2028 strategic roadmap focusing on ease of doing business, policy advocacy and ecosystem connectivity.
A dedicated Advocacy Working Group on Artificial Intelligence and Technology brings together sector leaders to shape Abu Dhabi’s AI future and enhance its competitive edge.
