Dubai, UAE – November 11, 2025
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a premier financial hub across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), has announced the much-anticipated return of the Dubai AI Festival 2026. Now in its third edition, the festival will be a highlight of Dubai AI Week, set to take place on April 7–8, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the event will unite AI experts, policymakers, investors, and startups from around the world. The festival aims to showcase how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of global industries and solidifying Dubai’s standing as a leading centre for AI innovation.
This year’s edition promises to be the largest yet, featuring over 150 sessions, 50 workshops and roundtables, and participation from more than 120 countries. The move to the expansive Dubai World Trade Centre from Madinat Jumeirah reflects the event’s growing international stature and ambition.
Global Collaboration and Innovation at the Core
Organised by the Dubai AI Campus in partnership with DIFC and the Office of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, the festival has quickly become one of the world’s most significant gatherings for AI professionals.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of the DIFC Authority, remarked:
“The Dubai AI Festival represents Dubai’s commitment to leading global discussions on AI and emerging technologies. It directly supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and DIFC’s Strategy 2030 by accelerating AI-driven innovation and positioning Dubai as a launchpad for high-growth enterprises. The festival’s expansion to the World Trade Centre highlights the growing international interest in Dubai’s AI ecosystem.”
Dubai’s Expanding AI Ecosystem
Recognised among the world’s top five cities for AI adoption and top four FinTech hubs, Dubai continues to drive technological advancement under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the UAE AI Strategy 2031. The emirate is integrating AI across sectors from smart governance and finance to transportation and the creative economy.
Globally, the AI industry is forecasted to surge from USD 391 billion in 2025 to over USD 1.8 trillion by 2030, potentially reaching USD 3.5 trillion by 2033. Within the Middle East, AI is expected to contribute USD 320 billion to the region’s economy by 2030, with the UAE leading regional adoption. By 2033, the UAE’s AI market could reach USD 46.3 billion, with its machine learning sector alone valued at USD 2.4 billion.
At the centre of this progress is DIFC’s AI ecosystem, spearheaded by the Dubai AI Campus home to over 200 AI-driven firms and 315 licensed entities. Notable global players such as Nagarro AI, CAMB.AI, and Deep Opinion have established regional headquarters there. The campus is set to expand beyond 100,000 square feet, housing 500 companies, creating 3,000 new jobs, and attracting USD 300 million in investment by 2028.
To support this growth, the Dubai AI Academy has been launched to train and upskill over 10,000 AI professionals by 2030. The academy fosters collaboration between government, academia, and industry to prepare a skilled workforce ready for the AI-driven future.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Festival
The Dubai AI Festival 2026 is poised to serve as a global hub for innovation, partnerships, and investment in artificial intelligence. The event will spotlight cutting-edge advancements while fostering opportunities for collaboration between global leaders and emerging startups.
For registration details and the full agenda, visit www.dubaiaifestival.com
