Dubai unveils 'Create AI Agents Championship' with AED 2.5 million prize pool

Dubai has launched the Create AI Agents Championship, a global competition designed to accelerate the adoption of Agentic AI and encourage the development of innovative AI-powered solutions with real-world applications.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister,  said the initiative marks a shift from traditional app development to the creation of autonomous AI-agent systems capable of addressing practical challenges.

With a prize pool of over AED 2.5 million, the competition is open to innovators from around the world, regardless of technical background, and invites participants to develop AI agents that can be transformed into scalable products, services and business ventures.

Participants will compete across four categories: Best Societal AI Agent, Best Personal AI Agent, Best Business AI Agent, and Best Youth AI Agent.

Each category winner will receive AED 550,000 to support further development of their solution, while one of the category winners will also be named AI Agent of the Year and receive AED 1 million.

Hamdan bin Mohammed launches “Create AI Agents Championship” to attract groundbreaking ideas and position Dubai as a global leader in AI innovation. The challenge features 4 categories, with prizes exceeding AED 2.5 million. One winner will receive the title of “AI Agent of the… pic.twitter.com/CTKXlg4N9L

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 7, 2026

The challenge is part of the Create Apps in Dubai initiative led by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy to support app development, digital skills, and technology entrepreneurship in the emirate.

Across its three editions, the championship has attracted 15,564 applications from 153 countries, contributed to the development of 1,700 prototypes, and supported the launch of more than 140 applications.

The third edition alone drew 9,754 entries from around the world.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honoured the winners of the third edition across four categories.

The Best Youth-made App award went to Ettan Ehsan, a gamified learning platform that transforms school subjects into short, visual, and engaging challenges.

The Most Impactful App award went to RUSH, a marketplace offering curated group travel experiences designed around shared interests and connections.

The Most Innovative App award went to LiaPay, an AI-powered financial wellness assistant that analyses financial and employment data to provide personalised insights and guidance.

The Longevity App of the Year award went to POP by Kwelio, a smart medication-adherence app that uses behavioural science, gamification, and predictive analytics to encourage consistent medication use.

The prestigious title of Dubai’s App of the Year was awarded to POP by Kwelio.

Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed honours the winners of the third edition of the Create Apps Championship at Emirates Towers Boulevard. The championship is part of the Create Apps in Dubai initiative, led by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy to support app development, digital… pic.twitter.com/n8g5QeAvZa

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 7, 2026