Abu Dhabi’s AI Sector Witnesses 61 Percent Growth

Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector recorded 61 percent growth between June 2023 and June 2024, with the number of AI companies climbing to 673, according to data from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI).

With the number of AI firms globally estimated to be 90,904, the emirate now accounts for 0.74 percent of AI companies globally.  

The findings position Abu Dhabi as the fastest-growing AI hub in the MENA region, and a leading global center for AI-driven enterprise, innovation, and research. 

In a statement, HE Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, “Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence 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. This surge is not only about numbers; it reflects a vibrant, diverse community of entrepreneurs, scientists, and global leaders who recognize Abu Dhabi as a magnet for groundbreaking technology ventures." 

He added, “What sets this ecosystem apart is the strength of collaboration between government and business, global leaders and emerging innovators, and research and industry. At the Chamber, we see it as our responsibility to foster these connections and create the conditions for innovation to thrive, not as an exception but as the standard.”  

According to ADCCI, more than 58 percent of AI companies in the emirate focus on innovation, research, and consultancy, reflecting a sophisticated, research-led business environment. In the first half of 2025 alone, 150 new AI companies launched in Abu Dhabi, fueled by strategic investment, advanced infrastructure, and growing cross-sector demand. 

Abu Dhabi’s early investment in AI is also reflected in the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first graduate-level, research-focused university dedicated to AI. MBZUAI continues to rank among the top global institutions for AI research impact, offering specialist programs in machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and statistics and data science. 

The emirate’s AI ecosystem is bolstered by institutions such as the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC) and its subsidiary, the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), which in turn has its own subsidiaries, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and AI71, alongside initiatives such as Hub71, G42, and Space42 GIQ.

Together, these institutions are advancing AI adoption across sectors, including healthcare, logistics, finance, and education. TII and MBZUAI have also developed open-source AI models accessible to researchers and innovators worldwide. 

ADCCI's new 2025–2028 strategic roadmap prioritizes ease of doing business, policy advocacy, and ecosystem connectivity. A dedicated advocacy working group on AI and technology is bringing together sector leaders to shape policy and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s competitive position in the global AI industry.