AI surge: Abu Dhabi's sector expands 61%, becomes global innovation hub
Globally, the report said 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.
Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Second Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Abu Dhabi's artificial intelligence sector is rapidly evolving from early adoption to real-world transformation, with a growing share of activity rooted in research, strategic consultancy, and enterprise-level solutions.
'This surge is not only about numbers; it reflects a vibrant, diverse community of entrepreneurs, scientists, and global leaders who recognise Abu Dhabi as a magnet for groundbreaking technology venture,' he said.
'What sets this ecosystem apart is the strength of collaboration between government and business, global leaders and emerging innovators, and research and industry. At the chamber, we see it as our responsibility to foster these connections and create the conditions for innovation to thrive, not as an exception but as the standard,' Al Dhaheri added.
Credit Goes to AD Govt
SureFlow Chief Executive Officer Sebastien Dui said Abu Dhabi's government has created truly exceptional policies that have driven remarkable results.
'An impressive 61 per cent AI sector expansion in just one year, with 150 new firms launching in six months. Their strategic approach to providing advanced infrastructure and cross-sector investment has been outstanding,' Sebastien Dui told Khaleej Times.
'What's particularly impressive is that 58 per cent of these companies focus on innovation, research, and consultancy, showing the ecosystem's maturity under their guidance. Abu Dhabi's proactive policy alignment through the government of Abu Dhabi demonstrates how effective governance can transform AI from concept to economic driver, setting the standard for the entire region. Such policies align with SureFlow decision to establish its research and development centre presence in the UAE, joining the mission in energy consumption management and promoting a sustainable future for all,' he said.
Mature AI Ecosystem
Abu Dhabi Chamber has revealed that over 58 per cent of all AI firms in the emirate are dedicated to innovation, research, and consultancy — clear evidence of a sophisticated, research-driven business environment.
The past six months (January to June 2025) alone have seen the launch of 150 new AI companies, driven by strategic investment, advanced infrastructure, and cross-sector demand in Abu Dhabi.
Sebastien Dui of SureFlow said AI is fundamentally reshaping how businesses operate across every sectors.
'We're seeing AI move from experimental technology to essential infrastructure that drives real business value. The focus has shifted from just automation to intelligent optimisation, helping companies make better decisions, streamline operations, and improve efficiency. What's particularly encouraging is seeing the AI industry mature toward solving complex, real-world problems. When AI provides solution-driven insights rather than just data, it creates lasting economic impact that benefits both individual businesses, the communities they serve, and the economy in general,' Sebastien Dui told Khaleej Times.
A New Model for AI-led Growth
At the heart of this transformation is the Abu Dhabi Chamber's new strategic roadmap (2025-28), which places the ease of doing business, policy advocacy, and ecosystem connectivity at its core.
A dedicated Advocacy Working Group on Artificial Intelligence and Technology brings together sector leaders who are actively shaping the future of AI in Abu Dhabi, giving the emirate a distinctive competitive edge and reinforcing its status as a centre for innovation and enterprise.
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.
These collaborative efforts are rapidly transforming industries from healthcare and logistics to finance and education, with TII and MBZUAI both making advances in open-source AI models that are accessible to researchers and innovators globally.
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