Abu Dhabi AI companies surge 61% in year as 150 new firms launch in 2025

Dubai: Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector recorded 61% year-on-year growth between June 2023 and June 2024, reaching 673 companies, according to Abu Dhabi Chamber data.

The emirate’s AI ecosystem is now the fastest-growing in the Middle East and North Africa, with 150 new AI firms launching in the first half of 2025 alone.

Over 58% of AI businesses focus on innovation, research, and consultancy, underscoring a mature, research-driven market. Growth has been supported by strategic investment, advanced infrastructure, and cross-sector adoption across industries such as healthcare, logistics, finance, and education.

Major institutions including the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council, and the Technology Innovation Institute have advanced research, open-source models, and global collaborations.

The Abu Dhabi Chamber’s 2025–2028 roadmap aims to further ease business operations, strengthen policy advocacy, and connect the emirate’s expanding AI community with global markets.