This trend was discussed by key industry leaders at the Dubai Assembly for AI, part of the wider Dubai AI Week 2025.
AI startups from across the globe are increasingly making the UAE their base, drawn by the country’s robust innovation ecosystem, its growing reputation as a hub for research and talent, and its strategic initiatives designed to support technological breakthroughs. This trend was discussed by key industry leaders at the Dubai Assembly for AI, part of the wider Dubai AI Week 2025.
In a session titled “Dubai as a Launchpad: Competing on the Global Stage,” prominent entrepreneurs shared their experiences of setting up and expanding AI companies in the UAE. Sachin Dev Duggal, Founder and Chief Wizard of Builder.ai, highlighted the pivotal role the UAE plays as a base for AI innovation. Duggal explained why his startup chose Dubai, citing “massive demand across the GCC” and the country’s stability, which creates the perfect environment for scaling operations. “The leadership here is incredibly open to building AI-powered platforms, and the legislation reflects that,” he said, adding, “When capital, talent, and R&D support are aligned, the UAE has all the ingredients to become a true global hub for advanced research and breakthrough technologies.”
Similarly, Jad Antoun, CEO of Huspy, discussed the transformative effect of the UAE’s Golden Visa programme. Calling it a “gamechanger,” Antoun noted how it provides both the stability necessary to build a global company and the ability to attract world-class talent.
Lin Kayser, CEO of Leap71, spoke about his personal experience in relocating to Dubai. He reflected on his three decades of founding companies and called the city a “breath of fresh air” for its supportive environment and open approach to innovation. “People here say, ‘That’s cool—let’s do it,’” he added, underscoring the collaborative and encouraging spirit he encountered.
Another key highlight during the event was a session titled “Global CAIOs: Early Study Findings by Dubai Future Foundation & IBM,” where leaders explored how AI is already revolutionising the public sector. Mohammed AlMudharreb, Executive Director of the Corporate Technical Support Services Sector and CAIO at RTA, shared that Dubai’s AI-powered chatbot has handled over 23 million conversations. He stressed that while impressive, these efforts represent only the beginning of the city’s potential in AI. “We’re still just scratching the surface,” he said.
Juma AlGhaith, Advisor to the General Manager and CAIO at Dubai Customs, echoed this sentiment, noting that AI is not just improving existing processes but offering the opportunity to rethink and transform them entirely. The discussion highlighted Dubai’s ambitious approach to integrating AI across various sectors, which is positioning the city as a global leader in the field.
Mario Nobile, Director-General of the Agency for Digital Italy, emphasised the importance of collaboration in AI leadership, stating, “Coordination, not competition, will define AI leadership.” This sentiment was echoed by Anthony Marshall, Senior Research Director at the IBM Institute for Business Value, who presented findings from a global survey of 624 Chief AI Officers. The survey revealed that while AI is increasingly adopted, only 25 percent of executives believe their infrastructure is ready for AI at scale. Furthermore, the survey found that the average CAIO leads a team of just five people, despite being tasked with enormous responsibilities.
A panel titled “Fuelling the Future: Investing in AI Startups within Dubai’s Ecosystem” showcased how Dubai’s supportive environment is fostering a thriving AI startup landscape. Akshat Prakash, CTO and Co-founder of CAMB.AI, described Dubai as offering “a rare combination of cultural diversity, strategic location, and a supportive innovation ecosystem,” making it the ideal place to build a truly global company.
Nuha Hashem, Co-founder of CozmoX AI, highlighted the region’s proactive role in the AI revolution, saying, “Companies here aren’t just catching up—they’re creating world-first solutions, sometimes before the trend even goes global.” Hashem also spoke to the empowering environment for female entrepreneurs in the UAE, where “your vision and your work matter more than your gender.”
The event also included a fireside chat titled “Revolutionising Education Through Metaverse and AI,” led by Yat Siu, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Animoca Brands. Siu compared the current AI revolution to the early resistance against calculators in schools, warning that AI could widen global inequalities if not accessible to all. He pointed out that, similar to how governments once subsidised calculators, there needs to be infrastructure, grants, and licenses to ensure AI remains universally accessible.
