Dubai AI Festival kicks off to accelerate global dialogue on artificial intelligence
The second edition of Dubai AI Festival begins today, continuing the momentum of Dubai AI Week. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the Festival reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Backed by co-hosts Dubai Future Foundation and DAMAC, and Founding Partner Al Fardan Exchange, the festival aims to accelerate AI’s global integration — expected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the economy by 2030.
Over the next two days, the festival will host more than 8,000 leaders, 500 investors, and 100 speakers from over 100 countries. Organised by Dubai AI Campus in partnership with DIFC and the UAE Minister of State for AI, the event brings together key players to explore AI’s transformative potential across sectors such as finance, healthcare, sustainability, and the future of work.
Discussions will be shaped by eight core themes: AI for all, global AI governance, immersive experiences, innovation and ethics, AI cornerstone, AI literacy, infrastructure and investment, and the future of work, addressing both opportunities and challenges across industries and society.
The Exhibition Arena will showcase AI-powered solutions from leading companies and start-ups through live demos, product launches, and interactive activations spanning finance, mobility, education, and more.
Key side events include the FutureTech World Cup Grand Finale, featuring top AI start-ups; FutureTech Launchpad, a stage for breakthrough research and policy; FutureTech Innovation Programme, highlighting student-led AI solutions; and FutureTech Youth Festival, engaging over 500 UAE students in hands-on learning. The FutureTech Jobs initiative also offers over 150 roles across AI, tech, and data.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence will offer insights into the nation’s AI vision. Other notable speakers include Dr Werner Vogels (Amazon), Joseph Bradley (TONOMUS), Dr Avinash Ramtohul (Mauritius), Prof. Jong-ho Lee (Former Minister, Science and ICT, Korea), Salem Al Marri (DG, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre), Hasan Fardan Al Fardan (CEO, Al Fardan Exchange), Younus Al Nasser (CEO, Dubai Data & Statistics Establishment, DDE) Gevorg Mantashyan (first deputy Prime Minister), and Suzan Kereere (president, Global Markets, PayPal).
For those joining today, this is a unique opportunity to engage with visionaries, explore the latest innovations, and help shape the future of AI.
Visit website: https://dubaiaifestival.com/
