It’s a transformation that’s redefining the region’s tech landscape
Abu Dhabi is quickly making a name for itself as a global hotspot for artificial intelligence, with the sector growing a staggering 61 per cent between June 2023 and June 2024.
The emirate is now home to 673 AI companies, making it one of the most concentrated hubs for AI innovation in the world.
To put things into perspective, there are around 90,904 AI companies globally, so Abu Dhabi’s share is no small feat.
This rapid expansion is turning heads not just in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where it’s now the fastest-growing AI centre, but also on the international stage.
A big part of this momentum comes from a powerful ecosystem that’s been deliberately built to support AI and advanced tech.
From forward-looking institutions like the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC) and Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) to innovation powerhouses like TII, AI71, Hub71, G42, and Space42 GIQ, Abu Dhabi has created the perfect storm for AI companies to thrive.
What’s interesting is that over 58 per cent of AI firms in the emirate are focused on innovation, research, and consultancy.
This is about nurturing a deeply research-driven, enterprise-level tech scene that’s pushing boundaries.
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And the pace isn’t slowing down. In just the first half of 2025 (January to June), 150 new AI companies were launched in Abu Dhabi.
This kind of growth is being powered by strategic investment, world-class infrastructure, and a surge in demand across different sectors, from healthcare and finance to space and beyond.
At the centre of all this is a new strategic roadmap from the Abu Dhabi Chamber, laying out plans from 2025 to 2028.
The focus is making it easier to do business, shaping pro-innovation policies, and strengthening the connections between startups, government, and global tech leaders.
It’s this collaborative spirit, where public and private sectors work hand-in-hand, that’s giving Abu Dhabi a serious edge. Rather than chasing trends, the emirate is setting the standard for what a thriving, AI-powered economy can look like.
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