Daijiworld Media Network- Dubai
Dubai, Apr 24: Dubai is rapidly cementing its position as a global hub for AI startups, driven by visionary policies, access to top-tier talent, and an ecosystem primed for innovation. Insights shared at the Dubai Assembly for AI, held as part of Dubai AI Week 2025, highlighted how the emirate is evolving into a launchpad for next-gen tech ventures and pioneering government applications.
In the high-impact session “Dubai as a Launchpad: Competing on the Global Stage”, Sachin Dev Duggal, Founder of Builder.ai, underscored the strategic advantage of moving his startup’s HQ to Dubai.
"There’s massive demand across the GCC, and the market’s inherent stability makes it the perfect base. The leadership is incredibly open to AI-powered platforms," he said, pointing to legislation and infrastructure that encourage bold innovation.
Jad Antoun, CEO of Huspy, praised the Golden Visa programme as a catalyst for attracting global talent.
"The UAE offers the stability to build a global company and pull in world-class minds," he noted.
Veteran entrepreneur Lin Kayser, CEO of Leap71, echoed similar sentiments:
"After 30 years of founding companies, moving here was a breath of fresh air. People are supportive and solutions-oriented. It’s ‘let’s do it’, not ‘let’s see’."
Government transformation through AI also took center stage. In a presentation of early findings from a global study by the Dubai Future Foundation and IBM, Mohammed AlMudharreb, Executive Director at RTA, revealed that their chatbot had already managed over 23 million conversations, while Juma AlGhaith of Dubai Customs emphasized AI’s potential to rethink governance itself.
Anthony Marshall from IBM Institute for Business Value pointed to a leadership gap:
"Only 25% of global executives believe their infrastructure is AI-ready. CAIOs typically lead very lean teams, yet face outsized expectations."
The city’s strategic positioning and cultural openness were championed in the session titled ‘Fuelling the Future: Investing in AI Startups within Dubai’s Ecosystem’.
Akshat Prakash, CTO and Co-founder of CAMB.AI, highlighted Dubai’s rare mix of diversity, global access, and support.
Meanwhile, Nuha Hashem, Co-founder of CozmoX AI, reflected on the region’s proactive stance:
"We lagged during the dotcom era, but with AI, we're innovating in real time—sometimes ahead of the curve. As a female founder, I feel my vision matters more than my gender, and that’s incredibly empowering."
Yat Siu, Executive Chairman of Animoca Brands, in a compelling fireside chat, compared AI’s current reception to the calculator’s early resistance in education:
"Calculators deepened understanding, and AI will do the same. But we must ensure accessibility. Without infrastructure support, we risk reinforcing global divides."
From grassroots empowerment to billion-dollar potential, Dubai is not just catching up—it’s charting the course for AI's future on the global stage. With initiatives that blend progressive governance, R&D support, and a world-class talent magnet, the UAE is transforming into a launchpad for the AI revolution—and fast becoming the destination of choice for startups with bold ambitions.