Dubai is accelerating its artificial intelligence strategy with a major new plan to bring agentic AI into the heart of its private sector.
The initiative, approved by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to support 295,000 companies across the emirate within two years. The plan also includes the development of 100 specialised AI assistants. Additionally, it offers support for 50 new companies focused on agentic AI.
The programme marks one of Dubai’s strongest moves yet toward autonomous AI systems that can perform tasks and make decisions. These systems also support business operations with limited human input.
What Is Agentic AI?
Agentic AI is a type of AI system that can act with a higher degree of independence than typical AI tools. Unlike AI tools that react to prompts, AI agents are able to plan and undertake multi-step workflows. In addition, they can analyse information and act based on goals.
For businesses this could be AI systems that help with customer service, logistics, procurement, compliance, scheduling, data analysis and other operational tasks.
Dubai’s new plan suggests that the emirate sees agentic AI as the next major step in business automation. It is also a step forward in digital transformation.
Dubai Targets 295,000 Companies
The two-year programme is designed to help 295,000 private-sector companies adopt agentic AI technologies.
This is a key objective as it takes AI adoption out of government projects and big tech firms. Dubai wants to bring AI to the day-to-day operations of the private industry in a broader sense.
The initiative is expected to include business support, training, infrastructure, and ecosystem development. Dubai’s broader strategy also focuses on talent, regulation, investment, and startup growth.
100 Specialised AI Assistants Planned
As part of the programme, Dubai plans to develop 100 specialised AI assistants.
These AI assistants are expected to be designed for specific business needs and sectors. The goal seems to be purpose built AI systems to support real operational workflows rather than generic chatbot style tools.
It could speed up the use of AI by companies, providing off-the-shelf or sector-specific tools. This would remove the need for every company to build its own AI systems from scratch.
50 new agentic AI companies
Dubai wants to foster the creation of 50 new companies focused on agentic AI.
The emirate aims to create a stronger local AI ecosystem and this target supports it. New AI startups may offer tools, services, infrastructure, and consulting for businesses adopting autonomous AI systems.
The change could also lure overseas AI companies and investors seeking markets where governments are pushing to adopt AI.
Dubai’s broader AI economy push
The agentic AI plan is part of a broader push to position Dubai as a global leader in artificial intelligence. It also contributes to digital economy growth.
Other related initiatives were also highlighted, including Dubai’s startup and entrepreneurship platforms, AI training programs and government technology infrastructure.
The Ignyte platform has reportedly reached more than 36,000 users and delivered over 3,000 mentoring sessions. Dubai Founders HQ has attracted more than 1,100 members. It has also attracted 500 startups, while companies in its ecosystem have raised more than AED 200 million in funding.
The Dubai AI Campus now hosts more than 400 specialised companies. Moreover, it has trained over 1,500 participants through its AI Academy.
Dubai to Host Major Programming Contest
Dubai was also confirmed as the host of the 50th International Collegiate Programming Contest World Finals in November 2026.
The event is expected to bring 140 teams from more than 70 countries to the emirate. Hosting the competition supports Dubai’s goal of becoming a global hub for digital talent, programming, and future technology.
Why This Matters
Dubai’s agentic AI plan could become one of the most ambitious private-sector AI adoption programmes in the world.
While many governments are still experimenting with AI pilots, Dubai is setting clear adoption targets for companies, AI assistants, and new startups. The focus on agentic AI also shows how quickly the global conversation is moving from AI chatbots to autonomous systems. These systems can complete business tasks.
For companies in Dubai, the next two years could bring major changes in how work is automated and how decisions are supported. These changes will also affect how businesses compete in an AI-driven economy.
For the global AI industry, Dubai’s plan may become an important case study in how governments can accelerate private-sector AI adoption at scale.
