Under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has launched a new initiative aimed at transitioning Dubai’s private sector toward self-executing and self-leading artificial intelligence, known as Agentic AI.

The initiative marks one of the most ambitious steps yet in Dubai’s ongoing digital transformation journey, positioning artificial intelligence at the centre of private sector growth and competitiveness over the next two years.

As part of the programme, specialised training tracks will be introduced for all business councils affiliated with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, ensuring that companies across sectors are equipped to understand and implement Agentic AI systems.

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To support this transition, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum directed the Chamber to establish incubators for Agentic AI companies, create new economic opportunities for young people in the field, and set up dedicated funds to support emerging AI-driven businesses.

A new competitive edge for the future

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said: “Under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we have launched a new initiative to accelerate the adoption of Agentic AI (self-executing and self-leading artificial intelligence) in Dubai’s private sector.

“Our goal is for Dubai to become the world’s leading city in adopting these technologies economically and commercially, giving us a new competitive edge for the future.”

He added: “The transformation programme spans two years and includes specialised training tracks for all business councils affiliated with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.”

“We have also directed the chamber to establish incubators for Agentic AI companies to support this transformation, create new economic opportunities for young people in this field, and set up dedicated funds to back this new shift,” he said.

Sheikh Hamdan further said: “Our objective is to empower our companies to adopt these technologies that will boost productivity, expand business volumes, and reshape the city, making its economy the best in the world in adopting Agentic AI technologies.”

He emphasised: “Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid is leading a comprehensive movement to transform Dubai into the world’s most future-ready city, technologically, economically and in infrastructure, while advancing quality of life to unprecedented standards.”

The initiative aims to establish Dubai as a global leader in adopting AI technologies—particularly Agentic AI—by transforming the private sector into self-innovating hubs that enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.

The programme reflects Dubai’s broader vision of positioning data as the “oil of the future,” while continuing to develop advanced digital infrastructure that strengthens the emirate’s standing as one of the world’s most future-ready cities.

Strengthening Dubai’s digital economy ecosystem

With digital transformation at the core of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and its long-term objectives, the emirate has already launched several major initiatives, including DubaiNow, the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, and the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence.

Together, these initiatives form a wider ecosystem designed to keep Dubai at the forefront of global investment in emerging technologies.

Dubai continues to support its private sector through what officials describe as an exceptional approach rooted in strategic partnership and proactive legislation. Direct communication channels, including business councils, ensure companies maintain open access to policymakers and decision-makers.

By reducing operational costs and opening access to new markets, Dubai positions itself as a global launchpad for ambitious companies seeking international growth.

The emirate also emphasises knowledge exchange and provides world-class digital infrastructure and tools to support technical advancement, reinforcing its goal of becoming the world’s best city to live, work, and invest.

“A pivotal milestone” for economic growth

Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, chairman of Dubai Chambers, affirmed that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s directives to launch the Agentic AI initiative mark a pivotal milestone.

He said it opens new horizons for sustainable economic growth and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global hub for business and innovation.

Al Mansoori noted that Dubai Chambers will implement specialised training for business councils and establish incubators and funds to support AI startups. These efforts aim to empower youth and entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses, while accelerating digital transformation across the private sector.

Unlocking future-ready business models

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of Abdulla Al Ghurair Group and chairman of the Board of Directors of Mashreq Bank, said the shift toward Agentic AI represents a new era in which Dubai’s private sector becomes a key partner in smart digital transformation.

Al Ghurair noted: “This initiative provides a significant opportunity for the private sector to invest in young talent and develop future-ready business models that significantly drive productivity, bolstering Dubai’s global leadership in the economy of the future.”

He added that investing in human capital and youth remains essential to maintaining Dubai’s leadership in commercial AI adoption.

Ahmad bin Byat, vice chairman of Dubai Chambers and vice chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said the initiative represents an advanced stage in Dubai’s digital transformation.

He noted that it reinforces Dubai’s position as a global digital economy hub by enabling businesses to adopt autonomous systems that significantly enhance productivity and operational efficiency.

Bin Byat added that the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy will continue expanding legislative support, specialised incubators, and global partnerships to attract international talent and technology firms.

A strategic step toward long-term transformation

Omar Abdulla Al Futtaim, vice chairman and CEO of Al Futtaim Group, described the initiative as a strategic step in reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global economic hub.

He said it reflects a shift toward continuous development within the private sector, guided by sustainable development and quality of life goals.

Al Futtaim stated: “The launch of this government initiative reflects Dubai’s ambition and determination to lead major economic and technological transformations. We are encouraged by the government’s vision and look forward to strengthening collaboration across the public and private sectors.

“AI and advanced technologies give us a unique opportunity to rethink how we operate, redesign our processes and reinvent our business models. Realising this potential will require continued investment in our people, equipping them with the skills and mindset to lead this transformation and shape the future of our businesses.”

He added that the initiative also opens new opportunities for young national talent to advance in artificial intelligence, supported by Dubai’s strong investment environment and technological ecosystem.

A new model for AI-driven decision-making

Dr Amina Al Rostamani, member of the Board of Directors of Dubai Chambers and AW Rostamani Group, said the initiative opens unprecedented opportunities for the private sector to shape the future.

She noted that within two years, Dubai’s businesses could evolve into a leading model for AI-driven decision-making.

She added that specialised Agentic AI incubators will accelerate digital transformation and create new economic opportunities for entrepreneurs developing smart applications aimed at boosting productivity and supporting Dubai’s global ambitions.