Abu Dhabi's artificial intelligence AI sector is undergoing an extraordinary acceleration, positioning the emirate as a global epicentre of AI innovation and growth.
According to data published by the Abu Dhabi Chamber, the emirate, with 673 AI companies, has experienced a 61 increase in the AI sector between June 2023 to June 2024. Globally, there are approximately 90,904 AI companies as of 2024, which places Abu Dhabi's AI company count as a notable concentration within the global landscape. The findings highlight Abu Dhabi's rise as the fastest growing centre for artificial intelligence in the Middle East and North Africa MENA and a global leader in AI- driven enterprise, innovation, and research.
The emirate's first mover advantage in artificial intelligence is demonstrated by the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence MBZUAI, the world's first graduate level, research focused university dedicated to AI. MBZUAI continues to attract world-class talent and consistently ranks among the top global institutions for AI research impact. Its specialist programmes in cutting-edge fields such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and statistics and data science underscore Abu Dhabi's commitment to research-based innovation and workforce development.
Abu Dhabi is setting global standards for the adoption of AI across strategic sectors, supported by a constellation of unique institutions and establishments, including the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council AIATC, responsible for developing and implementing policies and strategies related to research, infrastructure and investments in artificial intelligence and advanced technology, the Advanced Technology Research Council ATRC, the Technology Innovation Institute TII, AI71, Hub71, G42, and Space42 GIQ.