- The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce reveals that over 58% of companies focus on innovation, research and consultants.
- Sector growth supported by ADCCI's aggressive engagement and policy alignment
Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi's artificial intelligence (AI) sector is undergoing extraordinary acceleration, positioning the Emirate as the global epicenter of AI innovation and growth.
Data issued by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce shows that the Emirates are 673 AI companies, with the AI sector increasing by 61% between June 2023 and June 2024. The findings highlight Abu Dhabi's rise as the fastest-growing AI centre (MENA) in the Middle East and North Africa, and as a global leader in AI-driven companies, innovation and research.
The Emirate's first mover advantage in artificial intelligence has been demonstrated by the establishment of the world's first graduate level University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). Mbzuai continues to attract world-class talent and is consistently ranked global institutions for its impact on AI research. Specialized programs in cutting-edge fields such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, statistics and data science highlight Abu Dhabi's commitment to research-based innovation and workforce development.
Abu Dhabi sets global standards for AI adoption across the strategic sector supported by unique institutions and facilities constellations, including Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC). Hub71, G42, and Space42 GIQ.
These collaborations are rapidly changing industries from healthcare and logistics to fundraising and education, with both TII and Mbzuai advancing with open source AI models that are accessible to researchers and innovators worldwide.
A mature AI ecosystem
The Abu Dhabi Office revealed that over 58% of all AI companies in the Emirates are dedicated to innovation, research and consulting.
In the past six months alone (January to June 2025) we have seen the launch of 150 new AI companies driving strategic investments, advanced infrastructure and cross-sector demand in Abu Dhabi.
His Excellency Shamis Ali Karphan Al Daheli, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry“The AI sector in Abu Dhabi is rapidly evolving into real-world transformation with an increasing share of activities rooted in research, strategic consultants and enterprise-level solutions. This surge is not just about numbers.
“What sets this ecosystem apart is the strength of cooperation between government and business, global leaders and emerging innovators, research and industry. The Chamber of Commerce considers it a responsibility to promote these connections and create conditions for innovation to flourish. Al Dhaheri has been added.
A new model for growth of AIRED
At the heart of this transformation is the Abu Dhabi Room's new strategic roadmap (2025-2028), which is at its core: business, policy advocacy and ecosystem connectivity.
The dedicated advocacy working group on artificial intelligence and technology brings together sector leaders who will actively shape the future of AI in Abu Dhabi, give the Emirate a unique competitive edge, and strengthen their position as a centre for innovation and corporate.
