Dubai
A delegation of leaders from the Arab Federation for Digital Economy participated in the third edition of the Dubai Artificial Intelligence Festival 2026, which was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, on October 26 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, and will continue until October 27, under the slogan “Where Intelligence Meets Opportunity”.
The festival brought together more than 20,000 participants from more than 100 countries, along with 150 speakers, 500 investors and 200 exhibitors, in an international platform that brings together policymakers, technology leaders, investors and entrepreneurs to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and its applications in various sectors.
During the events, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed was briefed on the results of the Dubai AI Campus, part of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and its new expansion plans within the Za’abeel area. The campus has attracted over 500 specialized companies and investments exceeding AED 1 billion, achieving its targets two years ahead of schedule. His Highness also approved new targets to attract over 1,000 specialized companies and create more than 5,000 high-quality jobs by 2030.
The festival’s activities addressed a number of issues related to the future of artificial intelligence, including technology governance, investment and infrastructure, innovation and ethics of use, the future of work, and AI applications in financial services, healthcare, industry, and government services.
The Arab Federation for Digital Economy’s participation in this event stems from its role in monitoring global transformations in artificial intelligence and the digital economy, and in learning about the latest international applications and experiences that contribute to developing economic sectors, enhancing business efficiency, and creating new models for services and investment. Participation also provides an opportunity to identify initiatives that attract companies, talent, and investments in advanced technologies, and to monitor opportunities that can be leveraged to support digital transformation efforts in the Arab region.
This participation is significant because artificial intelligence has become a key factor influencing the competitiveness of economies and their ability to keep pace with global changes. This makes the exchange of expertise and learning from successful experiences crucial for developing Arab initiatives in this field. Furthermore, participation allows for broader engagement with stakeholders, decision-makers, investors, and specialized companies, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. It also contributes to aligning global trends with the needs and priorities of Arab economies in building a digital economy based on innovation and advanced technologies.
