DIEZ Highlights AI Growth with 700+ Specialized Companies Across Its Economic Zones
The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has announced a major milestone: over 700 companies specializing in artificial intelligence are now operating across its three zones—Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity.
The announcement, made during Dubai AI Week (April 21–25), highlights the success of DIEZ's AI strategy, which focuses on future-readiness and accelerating AI adoption. The event was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and organized by the Dubai Center for Artificial Intelligence at the Museum of the Future and Area 2071.
The companies operating within DIEZ range from startups and SMEs to global players, working on AI-driven services and technologies that align with the UAE's National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and Dubai's Universal Blueprint for AI.
H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, stated, 'The growth of AI-focused companies in our zones reflects our strategic commitment to staying ahead of change and enhancing national competitiveness through smart, agile ecosystems.'
DIEZ's AI strategy is anchored in three pillars: empowering people through upskilling and productivity tools, enhancing customer experiences with smart solutions, and establishing advanced digital infrastructure to ensure governance and sustainability in AI deployment.
The strategy includes 12 initiatives focused on AI-driven transformation—from autonomous services and big data analytics to fraud detection and cybersecurity. Active projects include an AI-powered document audit tool, advanced training platforms, and smart complaint handling systems.
DIEZ's rapid progress reinforces Dubai's position as a regional leader in AI, driving sustainable economic growth and digital innovation across the emirate.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TECHx
5 days ago
- TECHx
Dubai Research Grant Applications Now Open for Second Cycle
Home » Smart Sectors » Education » Dubai Research Grant Applications Now Open for Second Cycle Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced the opening of applications for the second cycle of the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative. The program invites universities and research institutions across Dubai to submit high-impact proposals. These proposals should aim to drive progress in technology, the economy, society, and innovation. Launched in collaboration with local and international academic institutions, the initiative supports research aligned with Dubai's national priorities and future strategies. This cycle focuses on two main domains: Cognitive Cities and Health & Life Sciences. Each domain includes four topics that use advanced technologies. DFF revealed that the 'Cognitive Cities' domain supports research in: Smart mobility solutions Next-generation built environments and infrastructure Climate-neutral, resilient urban systems Urban health intelligence for proactive well-being Meanwhile, the 'Health & Life Sciences' domain targets: Biological discovery and systems science Clinical and translational health Health innovation and engineering Biomanufacturing and synthetic biology The foundation reported that proposals will be evaluated based on several criteria. These include alignment with Dubai's RDI priority areas, innovation in methodology, sectoral impact, and budget viability. Applications will remain open until Friday, 13 June 2025. Submissions can be made via Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit full proposals. Selected projects will receive financial support for periods ranging from one to three years. In the first cycle, the initiative funded 24 research projects from 13 institutions. These were chosen from 374 proposals submitted by 41 academic entities. A total of 219 researchers across various career stages benefitted from the program. The focus areas in the first cycle included Future Cities and Health & Life Sciences. These projects strongly emphasized AI and robotics applications. The initiative was launched in September 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He is the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF. DFF stated that the initiative is part of the broader Dubai Research and Development Programme. It aims to fund bold, future-oriented research and cement Dubai's status as a global innovation leader. Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director at Dubai Future Labs, said the initiative is designed to support researchers and innovators in Dubai. He added that it provides technical direction and financial support to bring pioneering ideas to life. He also noted that the program builds an integrated platform to encourage scientific research and foresight thinking. This helps develop breakthrough ideas and strengthens Dubai's position as a global hub for creative minds. Recently, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan approved the goals for Phase Two of the Dubai R&D Programme. He allocated AED 750 million to accelerate its progress. The program aims to enable a sustainable digital economy and enhance Dubai's global competitiveness in key future sectors. Overseen by DFF, the Dubai RDI Programme focuses on delivering tested, knowledge-based solutions. It also seeks to boost productivity, support emerging industries, and enhance Dubai's economic resilience and readiness for the future.
Hi Dubai
5 days ago
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Future Foundation Opens Second Round of RDI Grant to Drive Innovation in Key Sectors
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has launched the second cycle of its Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative, calling on universities and research institutions in Dubai to submit proposals that tackle pressing challenges across technology, health, and urban development. The initiative, part of the broader Dubai RDI Programme launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2024, aims to fund high-impact, future-focused research aligned with Dubai's strategic priorities. Applications for the second cycle are open until June 13 via their website. This cycle focuses on two core domains: Cognitive Cities and Health & Life Sciences. The former covers areas such as smart mobility, climate-resilient infrastructure, urban health intelligence, and next-generation city design. The latter includes research in clinical health, biomanufacturing, systems science, and medical innovation. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full proposals, with selected projects receiving funding for up to three years. Evaluation criteria include relevance to Dubai's innovation agenda, potential for partnerships, scalability, and long-term impact. In its inaugural cycle, the initiative funded 24 projects from 13 academic institutions, chosen from 374 submissions. Over 200 researchers across career stages participated, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and robotics in health and urban systems. Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director at Dubai Future Labs, said the programme empowers researchers and innovators to bring transformative ideas to life, positioning Dubai as a global hub for knowledge and technology. With AED750 million allocated for Phase Two of the Dubai RDI Programme, the grant initiative is a key driver in building a diverse, sustainable digital economy and advancing Dubai's global competitiveness. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Al Etihad
Dubai Fitness Challenge to take place in November
2 June 2025 13:21 DUBAI (WAM)The organising committee of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) has announced that its ninth edition will take place from 1st to 30th November, coinciding with the 'Year of the Community'.The committee also unveiled a bold, refreshed brand identity, which celebrates its transformative impact on the city's health and wellbeing. The announcement was made at a special gathering held to thank the government entities, schools, corporate entities, partners, fitness establishments and local communities that have helped make the annual event a resounding Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, began the ceremony with gratitude for every individual, organisation, government partner and stakeholder who has helped shape the success of DFC, noting that more than 13 million people have taken part over eight in 2017 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the DFC embodies his vision to transform Dubai into one of the world's most active by this visionary leadership, the initiative's ongoing success supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing the city's position as a global leader in both business and on the impact of DFC, he said, 'With 2025 declared the Year of Community in the UAE, I am confident that this year's edition will once again unite friends, families, and organisations in the shared pursuit of a healthier, more active lifestyle.'Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said the Dubai Fitness Challenge has played a key role in encouraging healthier lifestyles and advancing the D33 Agenda's vision of making Dubai the best place to live, work, and visit. He added that the initiative's refreshed brand reflects its dynamic spirit and ongoing impact, as it continues to enhance well-being and strengthen Dubai's global the refreshed brand, the 2025 highlight calendar was revealed, featuring 30 days of free and inclusive fitness events, fitness villages, community hubs, classes, and year's Challenge will feature a brand new flagship event: Dubai Yoga, which will bring the 30-day Challenge to a close with a sunset yoga session on 30th events include the Dubai Ride, presented by DP World on November 2; Dubai Stand-Up Paddle on November 8-9; and Dubai Run, presented by Mai Dubai, on November 2024 edition saw a record-breaking 2,735,158 participants - a 14 percent increase from 2023. Data from 2024 highlights DFC's lasting impact: 18 percent of participants reported improved physical fitness, 15 percent noted enhanced psychological wellbeing, and 14 percent experienced greater self-esteem and reduced anxiety.
