DMCC Launches AI Centre to Drive AI Adoption in MENA Region

DMCC, the world’s leading free zone and Dubai Government Authority on commodities trade, has launched the DMCC AI Centre, a new innovation platform aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and developing practical AI applications across the MENA region.

During the launch event, attended by over 60 prominent figures, including H.E. Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), and Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, Chief AI Officer of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, DMCC officials highlighted the centre’s services and benefits. The event brought together ambassadors, government ministers, AI companies, and other industry stakeholders.

His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul emphasized Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in AI by 2031, driven by the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence. He noted the DMCC AI Centre as a key milestone in this journey, fostering innovation and strengthening Dubai's position as a global hub for AI and emerging technologies.

Located in Uptown Tower, the new AI Centre occupies two floors of DMCC’s headquarters and will be part of an integrated hub, alongside the DMCC Crypto Centre and DMCC Gaming Centre. It offers cutting-edge co-working spaces, high-tech meeting rooms, and a showroom for AI solutions, providing an ideal environment for innovation.

It is worth noting that DMCC is already home to over 50 AI and robotics companies, including global firms such as AMD, Autel Robotics, and HIKVISION. As part of its value proposition, the AI Centre has secured key partnerships with leading AI players.

Global software developer Builder.ai will assist DMCC members in building AI-powered apps, while UAE-based AGCC will host accelerator programs aimed at scaling AI technologies in the region. One such event, a competition offering a prize pool of $100,000, is set for October during the Expand North Star conference in Dubai.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, highlighted AI’s projected $15 trillion impact on the global economy by 2030. "The DMCC AI Centre will provide companies with access to the best AI services from Dubai. These benefits will extend beyond AI companies, creating a multiplier effect for DMCC’s business district and community," he said.

Sachin Dev Duggal, Founder of Builder.ai, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, "We believe in AI’s power to transform industries. Through this collaboration with DMCC, we can help businesses unlock scalable growth using advanced AI technologies."

According to DMCC’s Future of Trade 2024 report, AI’s role in global trade is expected to grow, with advancements in computational power, data flows, and machine learning algorithms driving this acceleration. AI’s potential to optimize supply chains, automate services, and enhance market analysis will be key factors in its transformative impact on global trade.

The DMCC AI Centre is set to be a crucial player in realizing this potential, fostering a new era of AI-driven innovation across the MENA region and beyond.

DMCC Launches AI Centre to Drive AI Adoption in MENA Region

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