Hamdan bin Mohammed opens Dubai AI Campus cluster at DIFC Innovation Hub – Technology

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, inaugurated the Dubai AI Campus cluster at the Innovation Hub, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as part of phase one of the annual Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (DUB.AI). The move aims to accelerate AI adoption across all sectors and create an optimal nurturing ecosystem for AI businesses and talents to drive innovation in AI.

In his address, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai’s commitment to prioritizing competitiveness and leading position as a hub for the digital economy in all projects and programs launched, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). He highlighted the importance of harnessing the potential of advanced technology to achieve economic growth and increase AI’s contribution to Dubai and the UAE’s GDP.

The Dubai AI Campus is the largest dedicated cluster of AI and advanced tech in the MENA region, contributing to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda and generating an average of AED 100 billion annually for Dubai’s economy through digital transformation. It aligns with Dubai’s vision to establish the city as a global hub of the digital economy and a key player on the global digital landscape.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by key dignitaries including His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; His Excellency Issa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre; and Arif Amiri, CEO of the DIFC Authority.

The Dubai AI Campus cluster will be part of the DIFC Innovation Hub, offering dedicated co-working spaces to tech startups, including AI businesses. Phase one of the campus has already attracted more than 75 businesses, with phase two set to accommodate over 500 companies and create more than 3,000 jobs by 2028.

The cluster will facilitate multinational tech partnerships with leading companies such as Amazon Web Services, HP, Microsoft, Oracle, and Nvidia, offering high computing capabilities and state-of-the-art business accelerator programs to advance AI applications in the private sector. Additionally, the Dubai AI Campus will offer a unique AI license designed to meet the requirements of AI-dependent businesses and benefit from DIFC’s Digital Assets Law.

Dubai’s focus on leveraging technological advancements for the greater good is further showcased through the upcoming Dubai AI and Web3 Festival, scheduled to take place on 11 and 12 September 2024 at Madinat Jumeirah. The event, organized by Dubai AI Campus in collaboration with the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office, and DIFC, aims to attract over 5,000 visitors, 500 investors, and 100 exhibitors, highlighting Dubai’s commitment to promoting future technology.

Overall, the Dubai AI Campus at DIFC represents a significant step towards establishing Dubai as a global hub for AI and advanced technology, driving innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development in the digital economy sector.