DUBAI: Organisers concluded Dubai AI Festival 2026 on Tuesday after a two-day showcase that attracted more than 20,000 participants, according to Dubai authorities. The festival took place at Dubai World Trade Centre on October 26 and 27.
It brought together technology companies, investors and government representatives from over 100 countries. Dubai authorities reported that more than 150 speakers, 500 investors and 200 exhibitors participated.
Organised by Dubai AI Campus at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the event focused on practical AI applications.
Participants examined how businesses and governments could use AI across finance, healthcare, manufacturing and other industries. Discussions covered AI infrastructure, investment, cybersecurity, digital governance and the future of work.
The programme also addressed the challenges of deploying artificial intelligence responsibly while expanding its commercial use.
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Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended Monday’s opening ceremony. During his visit, he reviewed the Dubai AI Campus’s progress and approved new development targets through 2030.
DIFC Authority Chief Executive Officer Arif Amiri said the campus had already met its original target of attracting 500 AI companies, two years ahead of schedule.
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Officials outlined plans to expand the campus through a purpose-built facility in the DIFC Zabeel District. The festival operated under the theme “Where Intelligence Meets Opportunity”, with technology developers and investors exploring new commercial partnerships.
Dubai AI Campus now aims to attract more than 1,000 companies and create over 5,000 jobs by 2030.
