Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence (AI) industry is experiencing record-breaking growth, with the number of AI companies surging 61% between June 2023 and June 2024, according to new data from the Abu Dhabi Chamber. The emirate now hosts 673 AI firms, representing one of the highest concentrations in the world compared to the global total of 90,904. This rapid expansion cements Abu Dhabi’s standing as the fastest-growing AI hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and a rising global leader in AI-driven enterprise, innovation, and research.
The emirate’s early-mover advantage is exemplified by the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) — the world’s first graduate-level, research-focused AI university — which continues to attract global talent and ranks among the top institutions for AI research impact. Specializing in areas such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and statistics and data science, MBZUAI reflects Abu Dhabi’s long-term commitment to research-led innovation and advanced workforce development.
Abu Dhabi’s AI ecosystem is anchored by leading 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. Together, they are driving AI adoption across strategic sectors — from healthcare and logistics to finance and education — with TII and MBZUAI making notable progress in open-source AI models accessible to researchers and innovators worldwide.
The Abu Dhabi Chamber reports that 58% of AI companies in the emirate focus on innovation, research, and consultancy, underscoring the maturity of the business environment. In just the first half of 2025, 150 new AI companies were launched, spurred by strategic investments, advanced infrastructure, and strong cross-sector demand.
“Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence sector is rapidly evolving from early adoption to real-world transformation… What sets this ecosystem apart is the strength of collaboration between government and business, global leaders and emerging innovators, and research and industry,” said His Excellency Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The growth is further supported by the Chamber’s new 2025–2028 strategic roadmap, which prioritizes ease of doing business, policy advocacy, and ecosystem connectivity. A dedicated Advocacy Working Group on Artificial Intelligence and Technology brings together sector leaders to shape the emirate’s AI future, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s competitive edge as a global centre for innovation
