Dubai AI Festival 2025
Dubai is making big moves in AI again, and the Dubai AI Festival is at the heart of it.
Set for 23 and 24 April 2025 at Madinat Jumeirah, this second edition is part of the first-ever Dubai AI Week - a week dedicated to putting AI innovation front and centre.
A Global AI Hotspot
Organized by Dubai AI Campus, in partnership with DIFC, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications Office, and other key players, the festival is bringing in over 8,000 industry experts, 500+ investors, 100+ speakers, and 100+ exhibitors from more than 100 countries. With 30+ roundtables and workshops, it’s a space for deep conversations about how AI is shaping industries and economies worldwide.
Dubai is betting big on AI, with projections showing it could contribute USD 15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, including USD 320 billion in the Middle East alone. The UAE’s AI market is set to hit USD 46.33 billion by 2033, and 80% of enterprises are expected to rely on AI-driven decision-making by 2026. Meanwhile, Dubai AI Campus is on track to grow beyond 100,000 square feet, supporting over 500 companies, creating 3,000+ jobs, and attracting USD 300 million in investments by 2028.
What’s on the Agenda?
This year’s key themes? Responsible AI, transparency, and the future of work. Attendees will get straight into AI’s ethical dilemmas, governance, and real-world applications - essential discussions as AI adoption accelerates.
H.E. Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, puts it best: "Dubai AI Festival is the platform for businesses, governments, and society to align on responsible AI adoption. As AI scales globally, Dubai is leading the way."
Where Innovation Meets Investment
Expect a buzzing exhibition of cutting-edge AI tech and a start-up showcase where fresh AI companies will pitch their ideas to investors. The FutureTech World Cup is one to watch - it’ll highlight top AI startups, connecting them with investors looking for the next big breakthrough. The Global FutureTech Innovation Programme is another standout, putting the spotlight on young minds building AI solutions for real-world problems.
Big Names Taking the Stage
A stacked lineup of speakers includes:
H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama (Minister of State for AI, UAE)
Werner Vogels (CTO, Amazon)
Parminder Bhatia (Chief AI Officer, GE HealthCare)
Bhavish Aggarwal (CEO, Ola)
Ronnie Sheth (CEO, SENEN GROUP)
Dr. Anirudh Devgan (CEO, Cadence Design Systems)
Nigel Toon (CEO, Graphcore)
AI Week: The Bigger Picture
Dubai AI Festival is just one part of the broader Dubai AI Week, an initiative by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Dubai Future Foundation. It’s all about connecting AI research with practical applications—bringing together experts, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to explore AI’s role in industries like finance, healthcare, and sustainability.
Get Involved
If AI is your thing, this is where you need to be. Registrations are now open - head to dubaiaifestival.com to sign up and be part of the action
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