DIEZ's AI strategy attracts 700 specialised companies to its economic zones

Arabian Business

24-04-2025

Over 700 companies specialising in artificial intelligence and its applications are now operating within the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority's (DIEZ) three economic zones – Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity.
This milestone was revealed by Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, during Dubai AI Week, which is being hosted at the Museum of the Future and Area 2071 at Emirates Towers, and concludes on 25 April.
AI sector thrives at DIEZ
Saying that the achievement reflects the effectiveness of DIEZ's AI strategy, Dr Al Zarooni commented: 'The artificial intelligence strategy adopted by DIEZ reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which aims to solidify the UAE's global leadership in AI and create agile and smart business environments that enhance the competitiveness of the national economy.
'The success of this strategy is reflected in the growth of AI-focused companies within DIEZ's economic free zones, underscoring our commitment to leading in this space by staying ahead of change and leveraging advanced technologies across all areas of operation.
'This reaffirms that artificial intelligence today stands as a foundational pillar in Dubai's economic transformation journey, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.'
The AI companies within DIEZ vary in size, ranging from startups and small and medium enterprises to multinational corporations, and offer a wide array of specialised services in the area. Many of these are also focused on developing AI-related technologies and applications.
Three core pillars
DIEZ's AI strategy is built around three core pillars – people, customers, and technology management. These pillars aim to empower human capital through AI tools by enhancing skills and productivity as part of the first pillar; elevate customer experience through smart, data-driven solutions under the second pillar; and establish advanced digital infrastructure to ensure quality, compliance, robust governance, and the effective and sustainable deployment of AI models through the third pillar.
The strategy comprises 12 high-impact initiatives, covering a broad range of critical AI applications. These include autonomous service delivery, customer experience enhancement, employee efficiency, and big data analytics, along with several innovative use cases that support decision-making, and the development of digital infrastructure across all DIEZ free zones.
Among some of the ongoing projects within DIEZ companies are development of an AI-powered tool for reviewing and auditing documents related to daily operations and company formation; a specialised cybersecurity solution to address risks and cyberattacks, and platforms for handling customer complaints and requests, training and recruitment, and fraud detection.