The Dubai AI Festival, a major event showcasing the burgeoning global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, is set to dramatically expand in 2026. Organizers have announced that the festival will occupy the entirety of the Dubai World Trade Centre during Dubai AI Week, reflecting its rapid growth and heightened international interest. This year’s festival drew over 10,000 attendees, but next year organizers anticipate a surge to over 20,000 participants from more than 120 countries.
Dubai AI Week itself will take place from April 6th to 10th, with the Dubai AI Festival anchoring the event on April 7th and 8th. The expansion aligns perfectly with Dubai’s ambitious goals to become a global AI powerhouse. The festival is being spearheaded by Dubai AI Campus, in partnership with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence’s Office.
A Hub for Innovation and Investment
This growth reflects Dubai’s broader strategy to solidify its position as a leading center for AI innovation and investment. The DIFC, at the heart of this initiative, is home to Dubai AI Campus – already the largest dedicated AI cluster in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The campus currently hosts over 180 AI companies and boasts 315 entities registered under the Dubai AI Licence.
Dubai’s vision is clear:
- Expansion: The Campus aims to grow its physical footprint beyond 100,000 square feet and attract $300 million in investments by 2028.
- Job Creation: The goal is to create over 3,000 new jobs within the AI sector.
- Ecosystem Growth: By 2028, Dubai AI Campus aspires to host over 500 companies, solidifying its position as a major global AI hub.
Investing in Talent
Dubai recognizes that attracting talent is essential for this growth trajectory. The Dubai AI Academy, part of the campus, is dedicated to training and upskilling over 10,000 AI professionals by 2030. This initiative bridges academia, industry, and government to ensure a sustainable pipeline of skilled individuals ready to contribute to the thriving AI ecosystem.
A Global Market on the Rise
The timing of Dubai’s aggressive push into AI is strategic. Globally, the market is experiencing explosive growth, projected to surge from USD 391 billion in 2025 to over USD 1.8 trillion by 2030. The Middle East is poised to play a significant role in this expansion, with contributions estimated at USD 320 billion by 2030. The UAE, specifically, is expected to be a frontrunner in regional AI adoption, fueled by the ambitious goals outlined in the UAE AI Strategy 2031, which aims for widespread AI integration across diverse sectors like governance, finance, and creative industries.
The Dubai AI Festival’s substantial expansion underscores the city’s commitment to becoming a central player in this rapidly evolving global landscape. The coming years will be crucial for watching how Dubai leverages its ambitious goals to solidify its position as an AI leader.
