Dubai AI Week has officially kicked off today, April 21, 2025, featuring significant participation from leading global tech companies and government entities. Organized by the Dubai Center for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) and overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation, the event is a landmark platform aimed at advancing public-private collaboration, accelerating the adoption of AI technologies, and promoting innovation for global good and sustainable growth.
During the inaugural session, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, emphasized that AI will be the cornerstone of Dubai’s future. He stated, “AI is no longer just a tool – it is the infrastructure for cities that think, services that adapt, and governments that anticipate. In this new era of progress, AI will shape Dubai’s future.”
As part of the event, Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, declared that every business must integrate AI into its operations to remain competitive. “Every single company that’s going to be in our digital economy, moving forward, needs to be an AI-first company,” he said during his welcome address at the AI Retreat held at the Museum of the Future.
In a significant development, 325 companies have been awarded the AI seal, an initiative designed to create a network of trusted firms that government entities and businesses can rely on for secure and responsible AI solutions. Additionally, more than 230 Chief AI Officers have been appointed across various government entities in Dubai, spearheading specialized plans and programs in AI and advanced technology.
Another key announcement came from Naim Yazbeck, general manager of Microsoft UAE, who noted that the company aims to skill 1 million learners in AI by 2027. “At Microsoft, we recognize that skilling is the most critical investment to ensure that the benefits of AI reach everyone,” he stated, highlighting the importance of talent development in driving innovation.
Meanwhile, IBM’s Shukri Eid expressed pride in participating in Dubai AI Week, stating, “We have always believed that AI has the power to reshape industries and societies—and IBM is committed to advancing this transformation responsibly.” He emphasized the company’s focus on deploying AI to tackle complex challenges while managing risks responsibly.
Meta’s Basma Ammari also highlighted the UAE’s role as a driving force in MENA’s digital transformation, stating, “We are committed to fostering open-source ecosystems, ensuring advancements in AI are accessible to all.” She pointed to programs like the Llama Design Drive AI Accelerator as evidence of their dedication to supporting AI startups.
In addition to the corporate participation, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a free bus service to facilitate transport for attendees during the five-day festival, running from April 21 to April 25. The buses will connect Al Wasl Club’s dedicated parking areas with Emirates Towers, ensuring a hassle-free experience for participants.
Dubai AI Week is not just about big announcements; it also serves as a hub for collaboration among tech experts, companies, students, and government leaders. The main activities are taking place at the Museum of the Future and AREA 2071 at Emirates Towers. Various events are scheduled throughout the week, including the AI Retreat, the Dubai Assembly for AI, and the Global Prompt Engineering Championship.
Furthermore, Saeed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), revealed that DEWA has launched a strategic roadmap to become the world’s first AI-powered utilities provider. “This will enable us to enhance resilience, operational efficiency, and excellence,” he said, aligning with the leadership’s vision to position Dubai as one of the world’s most future-ready cities.
On the educational front, registrations have opened for the ‘One Million Prompters’ initiative aimed at training a million individuals in AI prompt engineering. Al Olama emphasized that every government department will be assessed based on the effectiveness and impact of its AI adoption, ensuring that AI applications improve the quality of life for citizens in the UAE.
The event has attracted a diverse range of strategic partnerships, with global tech giants like Google Cloud, IBM, Microsoft, and Meta participating. Ziad Jammal, general manager of UAE Google Cloud, noted, “Dubai AI Week stands as a powerful testament to the UAE’s visionary leadership, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to accelerate the transformative power of AI.”
As the week progresses, attendees can expect a rich programming lineup that includes AI Week in Schools, the Dubai AI Week Hackathon: Agentic AI, HIMSS Executive Summit 2025, and the International Conference on Education Quality organized by GDRFA-Dubai.
With such a robust agenda and significant commitments from both public and private sectors, Dubai AI Week is set to reinforce the city’s position as a global hub for AI innovation and development. The collaboration between visionary government policies and the tech industry promises to drive groundbreaking progress in AI adoption, setting a model for other regions to follow.
