Dubai AI Week 2026 Announced by Sheikh Hamdan

Dubai continues to cement its status as a global hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation. Following the resounding success of Dubai AI Week 2025, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, announced the ambitious expansion for Dubai AI Week 2026. With plans to double the scale of the event and attract leading global tech giants, this pivotal gathering promises to shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption worldwide.

A Vision for AI Excellence

Sheikh Hamdan, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Dubai Future Foundation’s Board of Trustees, emphasized Dubai’s commitment to creating an environment that drives AI innovation, nurtures talent, and encourages investment. Speaking at the closing event of Dubai AI Week 2025—which drew over 30,000 participants from more than 100 countries worldwide—Sheikh Hamdan described AI as a driving force behind an unprecedented transformation in human history.

“Those who are best prepared for the future are the ones laying down the foundations today,” Sheikh Hamdan remarked. “We are determined to seize the opportunities artificial intelligence presents to design a better, more impactful future.”

Dubai AI Week 2026 is expected to host 20 major events, attracting top global AI experts, fostering collaboration between governments and private sectors, and producing groundbreaking initiatives.

The Highlights of Dubai AI Week 2025

The 2025 edition of the event was a milestone for AI adoption in Dubai. Organized by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence and overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation, it featured over 250 sessions, workshops, and panel discussions. More than 30 initiatives, partnerships, and agreements were announced during the week, setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in AI.

Some key highlights include:

• High-profile participation: Major companies like Microsoft, Meta, OpenAI, IBM, Amazon, NVIDIA, and Cohere showcased their latest innovations.
• Extensive engagement: Over 10,000 students from Dubai schools participated in the AI initiative led by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), focusing on educating the younger generation about AI applications.
• Global collaboration: The event welcomed over 25 international delegations and included partnerships with countries like South Korea, India, and Germany.

The event wasn’t just a showcase of existing technology; it laid the groundwork for future advancements, with projects like a Dh2 billion hyperscale data center in collaboration with Microsoft and new government AI strategies announced.

What’s New for 2026?

Sheikh Hamdan pledged that Dubai AI Week 2026 will raise the bar. “Our targets for the next event are ambitious,” he said. “We aim to expand to 20 events across the city and attract even more global leaders in AI.”

Key objectives for Dubai AI Week 2026 include:

1. Broadening AI Applications

The event will focus on embedding AI within public institutions, education, research centers, and innovation hubs. From urban planning to healthcare, Dubai aims to solidify artificial intelligence as a key enabler for improving lives globally.

2. Empowering Talent

The event is dedicated to equipping the next generation of AI professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed on a global stage. Initiatives like the Dubai AI Academy will train 10,000 future AI pioneers, fostering a robust pipeline of skilled professionals.

3. A Global Marketplace for AI Startups

With advanced digital infrastructure and agile regulations, Dubai is perfectly positioned to become a launchpad for billion-dollar AI enterprises. Dubai AI Week 2026 will provide a platform for startups, investors, and established businesses to come together and explore new opportunities.

Why Dubai is the Ideal AI Hub

Dubai’s advanced digital infrastructure and forward-looking policies make it a prime destination for fostering AI innovation. Strategic frameworks like the Dubai AI Seal and government AI strategies laid out during the event underpin the city’s readiness to attract global investment.

Agile and Inclusive Governance

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the importance of agile governance in creating an ecosystem conducive to AI development. “Future foresight has become a defining feature of the UAE’s development model,” said Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation. “This platform aims to enable cross-sector collaboration while preparing communities for an era defined by AI.”

Focus on Responsible AI

Dubai’s commitment to ethical leadership in AI ensures that innovation progresses responsibly. The Dubai State of AI report and initiatives like the ALiF framework are integral in promoting transparency, safety, and equity in AI deployment.

Building a Future on AI

Sheikh Hamdan concluded the announcement with a powerful message of hope and determination. “AI is not just a tool for technological advancement; it represents an opportunity to uplift communities and create a more equitable world,” he said.

Dubai AI Week 2026 encapsulates that vision by striving to unlock the true potential of AI for the benefit of humanity. It will be a landmark event with global implications, showcasing how cities can harness AI to drive innovation, improve lives, and adapt to the changing needs of our world.

Mark your calendars for April 2026, as Dubai gears up to host an extraordinary international gathering of innovation, technology, and collaboration.