Dubai leads global dialogue on AI

A week-long event dedicated to driving global innovation in artificial intelligence opened in Dubai on Monday.

Running until April 25, the Dubai AI Week features a series of conferences, competitions, exhibitions and activations, bringing together AI experts, innovators and industry leaders.

​The event showcases Dubai’s vision for the future of AI, and empower organisations and individuals to explore the capabilities of the technology across various sectors.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, said governments' ability to keep pace with AI will define their success in achieving strategic goals and boosting community wellbeing.

Speaking at the AI Retreat during Dubai AI Week, His Highness stressed the importance of embracing technological change to position Dubai among the world’s most advanced and agile cities.

Held at the Museum of the Future, the AI Retreat brought together over 150 global experts and officials for high-level discussions on data, digital infrastructure, investment and talent.

Sheikh Hamdan also attended various activities of the ‘Dubai Assembly for AI’ as part of Dubai AI Week.

He reviewed cutting-edge AI technologies presented by major global tech companies, as well as a range of innovative ideas and projects from 60 startups representing countries around the world.

Dubai AI Week features ten major events across the city — including the Global Prompt Engineering Championship, Machines Can See summit, and AI Week in Schools — all aimed at shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

Hamdan bin Mohammed attends the AI Retreat, part of Dubai AI Week 2025 — a five-day event featuring 10 major activities across AREA 2071, the Museum of the Future, and other key locations in Dubai. The AI Retreat, held at the Museum of the Future, brought together over 150… pic.twitter.com/oOiMdv0Z8e

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 21, 2025

Hamdan bin Mohammed visits ‘Dubai Assembly for AI’ during Dubai AI Week 2025. The Assembly brings together industry leaders and senior officials from global tech companies to explore the future of AI. pic.twitter.com/XthdaSIabX

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 21, 2025

Sheikh Hamdan also met government employees participating in the first cohort of the ‘1 Million AI Talents in the UAE’ initiative that runs in collaboration with Microsoft to equip the national workforce to be future-ready with AI skills.

He emphasised that investing in national talent is not only a priority, but a firm commitment from the leadership to secure the future - an approach that has guided the UAE since its founding. Addressing the challenges of tomorrow requires bold foresight and an ambitious vision, brought to life by exceptional minds capable of creating lasting, positive change in society, Sheikh Hamdan added.