Pioneering AI Success to Inspire Global Innovation and Progress

The UAE started investing in artificial intelligence back in 2008, years before most countries recognized its potential. Now the country is positioning itself as a global AI hub through major partnerships and accelerator programs, with ambitious plans to create 10 unicorn companies by 2031.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for AI and Digital Economy, revealed this timeline during Expand North Star 2025, the world's largest startup and investor platform. The event is happening at Dubai Harbour as part of Gitex Global, bringing together over 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors from 180 countries.

"We don't think like other countries. We look at the future from a long-term perspective," Al Olama said. "We started investing in AI very early, when no one expected us to be a major player in this field. Despite all challenges, we're proving today that we can achieve leadership."

Abu Dhabi began by investing in electronic chips and global AI companies when the technology was still emerging. This early bet is now paying off as the UAE becomes a regional AI powerhouse.

The strategy extends beyond government investment. Presight, a G42 company and the region's largest big data analytics firm, launched the UAE's first AI accelerator program last year. The program just showcased its first batch of startups with prototypes ready for market.

"There are many acceleration programs around the world, but what distinguishes ours is that we're building a global platform," said Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight. "The UAE and Abu Dhabi have become the capital of AI, where technology meets innovation."

The accelerator gives startups access to computing power, expertise, and real business opportunities through G42's ecosystem. Since launching, participating companies have met with ambassadors, institutions, and key stakeholders from both public and private sectors.

Cybersecurity remains a priority as AI adoption grows. Presight signed a partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council during the event's opening day. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council, emphasized that safety and security are fundamental pillars for enabling the next generation of startups.

"Cybersecurity is an integral part of our identity and everything we do," Al Kuwaiti said. "Whether it's AI today or quantum computing tomorrow, safety and security will remain essential foundations."

This year's event features record international participation, with Brazil's trade promotion agency Apex-Brasil becoming the first country partner in the event's history. They're showcasing 55 startups across two pavilions, focusing on AI, fintech, and other emerging technologies.

The startup lineup includes over 40 unicorn companies - startups valued at over $1 billion. Notable participants include PsiQuantum from the US, valued at $68 billion and building the first fault-tolerant quantum system, and Kuwait's Talabat, the regional delivery platform worth $8.5 billion.

From the UAE, Andalusia Labs stands out as a global leader in digital asset risk infrastructure. The company became one of the fastest unicorns in history, reaching a $1 billion valuation just 11 months after launch.

Major financial institutions are also participating, including JPMorgan from the US, Daiwa Capital Management from Japan, and Qatar National Bank. These organizations are looking for the next generation of companies that can shape the future of technology and innovation.

The event supports the UAE's broader "World Capital of Startups" initiative, which aims to create 30,000 new jobs by 2030 and launch 10 unicorn companies by 2031. This positions the UAE as a primary destination for entrepreneurship and strategic investment.

Hatem Dowidar, Global CEO of e& Group, highlighted how emerging technologies like 5G Standalone and 5.5G will create new opportunities for innovative business models and startups. But he stressed the importance of proper AI governance to ensure data safety and privacy protection.

The four-day event runs until October 15 at Dubai Harbour, organized by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. It brings together entrepreneurs, investors, executives, and global experts alongside strategic partners from both public and private sectors worldwide.