Abu Dhabi’s AI sector surged 61% from June 2023 to June 2024, reaching 673 companies, with 150 new firms launched in early 2025. Over 58% focus on research, innovation, and consultancy, supported by institutions like MBZUAI and TII. The emirate is now the fastest-growing AI hub in MENA and a rising global leader in AI innovation.
Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector is experiencing record-breaking growth, establishing the emirate as one of the most dynamic centers for AI innovation in the world. According to new figures released by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the number of AI companies operating in the emirate has reached 673—marking a 61 percent increase between June 2023 and June 2024.
The first half of 2025 alone saw the launch of 150 new AI companies, reflecting the emirate’s strategic investments in infrastructure, research, and a favorable business environment. This rapid expansion has been driven by strong demand for AI across sectors such as healthcare, logistics, finance, and education, combined with forward-thinking policies and a global talent pool.
A Significant Global Player
Globally, there are approximately 90,904 AI companies, positioning Abu Dhabi’s 673 as a notable concentration within the worldwide market. The data underscores the emirate’s role as the fastest-growing AI hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and a rising global leader in AI-driven enterprise, research, and innovation.
Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, emphasized that this growth represents more than just impressive statistics.
“Abu Dhabi’s AI sector is rapidly evolving from early adoption to real-world transformation, with a growing share of activity rooted in research, strategic consultancy, and enterprise-level solutions,” he said.
A Research-Driven Ecosystem
One of Abu Dhabi’s most significant competitive advantages is its focus on research and innovation. More than 58 percent of the emirate’s AI companies specialize in innovation, research, and consultancy—an unusually high proportion that reflects a mature and forward-looking business environment.
The emirate’s commitment to research-based innovation is exemplified by the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first graduate-level, research-focused university dedicated exclusively to AI. MBZUAI has earned global recognition for research impact and offers advanced programs in machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and data science. Its ability to attract world-class talent has reinforced Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a magnet for cutting-edge technology ventures.
Institutional Powerhouses Driving Change
Abu Dhabi’s AI expansion is supported by an ecosystem of influential institutions, including the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), AI71, Hub71, G42, and Space42 GIQ. These organizations are developing open-source AI models, shaping global AI standards, and creating opportunities for collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector.
The Technology Innovation Institute and MBZUAI, for example, have made strides in making advanced AI tools accessible to researchers and innovators worldwide, positioning Abu Dhabi as both a producer and a sharer of AI technology.
Strategic Vision for 2025–2028
The Abu Dhabi Chamber’s newly launched strategic roadmap for 2025–2028 places emphasis on ease of doing business, policy advocacy, and strengthening the AI ecosystem. A dedicated Advocacy Working Group on Artificial Intelligence and Technology is uniting industry leaders to shape policy, promote investment, and guide the emirate’s AI trajectory.
“What sets this ecosystem apart,” Al Dhaheri explained, “is the strength of collaboration between government and business, global leaders and emerging innovators, and research and industry. We aim to make innovation the standard, not the exception.”
With strong institutional backing, a rapidly growing community of entrepreneurs and scientists, and a strategic focus on research and global collaboration, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself not just as a regional leader in AI, but as a global benchmark for innovation-driven economic growth.
