Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has launched a new initiative to transition Dubai’s private sector toward Agentic AI, with a two-year transformation programme that includes specialised training, dedicated incubators, and new funds backed by Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
The Initiative and What It Covers
Launched under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the programme targets the full adoption of self-executing and self-leading artificial intelligence across Dubai’s private sector within two years.
Specialised training tracks will be introduced for all business councils affiliated with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. Sheikh Hamdan also directed the Chamber to establish dedicated incubators for Agentic AI companies, create economic opportunities for young people in the field, and set up funds to back the transition.
Sheikh Hamdan said: “Our goal is for Dubai to become the world’s leading city in adopting these technologies economically and commercially, giving us a new competitive edge for the future.”
What Agentic AI Means for Business
Unlike standard AI tools that assist with tasks, Agentic AI systems can analyse data, make decisions, and execute processes autonomously with limited human intervention. Applied across the private sector, the technology is expected to significantly boost productivity, reduce operational costs, and open new business models.
Sheikh Hamdan described the objective as empowering companies to adopt technologies that will boost productivity, expand business volumes, and reshape the city’s economy into the best in the world for Agentic AI adoption.
Dubai Chamber Responds
Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, described the initiative as a pivotal milestone that opens new horizons for sustainable economic growth and reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for business and innovation.
He confirmed that Dubai Chambers will launch specialised training for business councils, establish incubators, and create funds to support AI startups as part of implementing the directive.
Ahmad bin Byat, Vice Chairman of Dubai Chambers, said the initiative marks an advanced stage in Dubai’s digital transformation, enabling businesses to adopt autonomous systems that significantly enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
Private Sector Leaders Respond
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of Abdulla Al Ghurair Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mashreq Bank, said the transition to Agentic AI marks a new era for Dubai’s private sector and provides a significant opportunity to invest in young talent and develop future-ready business models.
Omar Abdulla Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al-Futtaim Group, called the initiative a strategic step in reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global economic hub. He said AI gives businesses a unique opportunity to rethink how they operate, redesign processes, and reinvent business models, but that realising the potential will require continued investment in people and skills.
Dr. Amina Al Rostamani, Member of the Board of Directors of Dubai Chambers, said the initiative will transform Dubai’s businesses into a leading model for decision-making AI within two years and that specialised incubators will create new economic opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Part of Dubai’s Broader AI Strategy
The initiative builds on Dubai’s wider digital transformation agenda, including the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, and the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence. It also aligns with the recent announcement that 50 percent of UAE federal government services will run on Agentic AI within two years, extending that same ambition into the commercial sector.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid is leading a comprehensive movement to transform Dubai into the world’s most future-ready city, technologically, economically, and in infrastructure, while advancing quality of life to unprecedented standards.
