Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, has launched the Dubai AI Academy. This major new initiative aims at mainstreaming artificial intelligence (AI) education. It also focuses on advancing its adoption across key sectors of the economy.
The launch took place during the inaugural Dubai AI Week 2025, held under Sheikh Hamdan’s patronage. It was organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation, from April 21 to 25 across the Museum of the Future. Other venues included AREA 2071 at Emirates Towers, and various locations throughout Dubai.
Sheikh Hamdan said, “Dubai will be the destination of choice for those who are seeking to lead the future of artificial intelligence. We will continue to support impactful initiatives that showcase the promising and diverse applications of AI. Also, the opportunities it offers to accelerate economic growth and advance progress across government, education, and society.”
The Dubai AI Academy forms part of the Dubai AI Campus, the region’s largest cluster dedicated to AI and advanced technology companies. It is located within the DIFC Innovation Hub.
Developed with the support of the DIFC Academy, the Dubai AI Academy aims to educate 10,000 emerging and experienced leaders. The Academy positions itself as a leading provider of AI training and certification programmes. It will collaborate with globally renowned academic institutions including Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, Udacity, and the Minerva Project. These collaborations will offer tailored programmes that equip participants with the skills required to lead in an AI-driven world.
Initial offerings will include “AI for Civil Service,” targeting government employees. Another offering is “Leadership in the Age of AI,” which focuses on strategic decision-making, ethics, and adaptability. These are crucial in complex, technology-driven environments.
By expanding AI education at scale, the Academy will support Dubai’s ambition to double the impact of AI on its GDP. It also aims to strengthen Dubai’s global competitiveness. Training modules will cover key areas such as identifying and implementing AI use cases. They will also focus on integrating AI into business strategies and applying ethical frameworks for responsible adoption.
This initiative aligns with the goals of the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (DUB.AI). It supports Dubai’s long-term vision to become a global centre for AI, innovation, and technology.
The Dubai AI Campus, launched under Sheikh Hamdan’s directives in 2023, plays a central role in this transformation. It provides computing power, business acceleration programmes, and a bespoke AI business licensing model.
The Dubai AI Academy also contributes to the objectives of DIFC’s 2030 Strategy. It enhances talent development within Dubai’s growing AI, FinTech, and innovation ecosystem. Its establishment is expected to significantly boost workforce productivity. This will facilitate the integration of AI applications across the public and private sectors.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Hamdan witnessed the signing of four strategic partnership agreements between Ignyte, a global digital start-up ecosystem platform, and leading organisations. These include the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), du, Dubai Technology Entrepreneurship Campus (Dtec), and in5.
These agreements are part of Dubai’s broader efforts to accelerate the Dubai Digital Economy Strategy. The strategy aims at driving the exponential growth of start-ups across sectors. It also focuses on strengthening the emirate’s position as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Sheikh Hamdan said, “Strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for the digital economy begins with empowering the entrepreneurs and innovators who will shape its future. These strategic partnerships reflect our commitment to building a vibrant and integrated ecosystem that accelerates start-up growth. They attract global talent and drive meaningful technological progress. By connecting visionaries with opportunity, Dubai continues to lead as a launchpad for bold ideas and transformative ventures.”
