The Dubai AI Festival 2025 will take to the stage next month as part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to grow a sector tipped to pass $46bn in value by 2033.
Building on the success of the inaugural edition, the Dubai AI Festival returns in 2025 to further demonstrate Dubai’s standing as a global leader in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Held under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, UAE, the event will take place on April 23 and 24 April at Madinat Jumeirah.
Dubai AI Festival 2025
The Festival is organised by Dubai AI Campus, in partnership with DIFC, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office to explore AI’s transformative impact across industries.
As a significant event in Dubai AI Week, which was launched under the vision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Festival will bring together global AI leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore advancements, investment opportunities, and regulatory frameworks shaping the future of AI.
AI is set to transform the global economy, with recent reports projecting a $15.7tn contribution by 2030, including $320bn in the Middle East.
By 2033, the UAE’s AI market is projected to reach $46.33bn, while the machine learning market is expected to grow to $2.41bn.
Experts predict more than 80 per cent of enterprises will integrate AI-driven decision-making by 2026.
Moreover, Dubai AI Campus is projected to grow beyond 100,000sq ft, host more than 500 companies, create more than 3,000 jobs, and attract $300m in investments by 2028.
This year, key themes of the Dubai AI Festival include responsible AI deployment, transparency, and the future of work.
Attendees will gain insights into AI’s impact while tackling the ethical challenges of its rapid integration.
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said: “DIFC is delighted to be presenting one of the most significant events as part of Dubai AI Week and reflects our commitment to cement the city’s position as a global leader for technology, as well as enable future focused industries to harness the transformative power of AI.
“As adoption accelerates, the Dubai AI Festival will serve as the key platform for accelerating responsible and effective AI implementation across business, government, and society.”
Aligned with Dubai’s vision for innovation and economic growth, the AI Festival will bring together more than 8,000 industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from more than 100 countries to drive collaboration and investment in AI and emerging technologies.
The event will also include a dynamic exhibition, featuring cutting-edge AI innovations, alongside a start-up showcase where emerging companies will pitch their solutions to investors.
The FutureTech World Cup, will showcase top AI start-ups, connecting innovators with investors seeking the next big breakthrough.
Additionally, the Global FutureTech Innovation Programme will discover the brightest young minds from around the world harnessing AI to tackle real-world challenges.
This combination of exhibitions, discussions, and competitions will drive collaboration and investment in the next wave of AI innovation.