3AI partners with UAE government to establish Dubai as AI innovation hub

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India’s largest artificial intelligence (AI) platform, 3AI, has announced a collaboration with the UAE government to set up an AI hub in Dubai. The initiative aims to strengthen Dubai’s AI ecosystem, drive economic growth, and accelerate Generative AI innovation in the region.

This follows 3AI’s previous agreement with the Telangana Government to develop a similar AI ecosystem in Hyderabad.

“They are embarking on a journey to see Middle East, UAE specifically, as the AI capital of the world just like what Silicon Valley is today for America,” Sameer Dhanrajani, CEO of AIQRATE and 3AI, told Moneycontrol.

The new hub will leverage 3AI's extensive network of 47,000 members, including 1,250 invited AI leaders and practitioners, along with partnerships with more than 400 Global Capability Centres.

The project will focus on three core areas: creating a selective community of AI and analytics experts from multinational corporations, specialised AI firms, and emerging startups across the Middle East. Thus, developing a comprehensive ecosystem for AI thought leadership and business implementation, and organizing exclusive leadership events including innovation summits and executive roundtables to advance AI adoption strategies.

With AI emerging as a critical competitive differentiator for nations and corporates, the Dubai AI hub represents a strategic investment in positioning the UAE at the forefront of Middle Eastern technological innovation. The initiative builds on Dubai's existing smart city infrastructure and business-friendly environment to attract global AI talent and investment.

“The government is always an enabler. The very first thing I think the government should do and, which is what they've done in this case is to be open about anything which is new. All we are doing is to ensure that the piece around AI ecosystem is what we are taking and trying to take it to the next level,” Dhanrajani added.

While financial details and specific timelines remain undisclosed, the partnership signals the UAE's serious commitment to becoming a regional AI powerhouse. Further operational details about the AI hub's structure, research priorities, and partnership opportunities are expected to be released in the soon as 3AI and UAE officials finalise implementation plans.