A recent study from the Business & Economics Intelligence Sector at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has revealed that the number of AI companies registering in Abu Dhabi has experienced a robust compound annual growth rate of 67% between 2021 and 2023. This significant uptick in company registrations further cements Abu Dhabi’s stature as a key global player in the AI industry.
The research sheds light on Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to harness the benefits of AI systems, applications, technologies, and solutions. The goal is to utilise these advancements to benefit humanity and contribute to sustainable development across various social, economic, and other life aspects.
Abu Dhabi Chamber: Leading MENA Business with AI by 2025
In this context, the Abu Dhabi Chamber places a specific focus on AI investment, aligning with its vision to enhance the standing and reputation of the private sector in Abu Dhabi. This involves implementing supportive policies and embracing innovation and digital transformations, aiming to establish Abu Dhabi as the primary choice for doing business in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by 2025.
Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, remarked, “Today, Abu Dhabi stands as one of the most pioneering destinations, thanks to its efforts in enhancing the contribution of AI to sustainable development. It is anticipated that the sector will contribute an additional $13T to global economic activity by 2030, representing a 16% increase in cumulative global GDP compared to the present. These endeavours align with the forward-looking vision under the guidance and support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”
This commitment is further emphasised by adhering to the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and aligns with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071, aiming to position the UAE as a global leader in all fields.
Abu Dhabi Chamber’s AI Leadership: Pioneering Adoption and Fostering Innovation in a Clear AI Landscape
“The Abu Dhabi Chamber is dedicated to aligning with Abu Dhabi’s AI approach, leading among global chambers of commerce by actively using the first AI-powered platform (ChamberGPT) since its launch in 2023. This platform handles business processing inquiries in Abu Dhabi and ranks high internationally in active usage,” he added.
He mentioned, “With the AI landscape in Abu Dhabi becoming clearer, there is growing interest from the private sector and investors in establishing companies focused on innovation, AI research, and consultancies. There is also an increase in managing AI robotic systems across various business sectors.”
“The decision to focus on AI is well-considered. The Abu Dhabi government established the Advanced Technology Research Council in May 2020, leading to the formation of AI71, dedicated to enhancing global decentralized data control. Additionally, the Technological Innovation Institute (TII) oversees research in AI, data science, autonomous robots, etc. The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is ranked among the top 30 global institutions for AI, computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing,” he added.
The study confirms that these indicators, among others, strengthen the expectation that Abu Dhabi will become a highly attractive destination for investors, startups, and talents in the AI field, both in the Arab world and internationally. Significantly, it is also positioned as the most prepared for the future, poised to leverage AI integration across various economic sectors and sustainable development paths.