Dubai Invites AI Experts and Companies to Collaborate on AI-Driven Government Services
Dubai’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) has opened applications for the second cycle of its “Future of AI in Government Services Accelerator.” The program invites global innovators to work directly with more than 20 government entities to develop AI solutions aimed at transforming public services. Running from October to November 2025, the accelerator offers hands-on collaboration, sponsored accommodation, and access to senior decision-makers to foster practical AI applications within government operations.
Apply by 29 August 2025 for the Second Cycle of Dubai’s AI Accelerator
Dubai is actively seeking AI innovators worldwide to co-create the future of government services. The second cycle of the “Future of AI in Government Services Accelerator” provides a platform where technology meets public service needs. This initiative supports Dubai’s broader goal of integrating AI deeply into government institutions and various sectors.
What the Second Cycle Offers
The accelerator, a collaboration between DCAI and Dubai Future Accelerators (part of the Dubai Future Foundation), invites local and international AI companies and startups. The program aligns private sector AI expertise with the requirements of over 20 Dubai government bodies. It focuses on four key areas:
- Improving existing public services through AI-driven personalization and efficiency.
- Creating new AI-powered services to address complex challenges.
- Embedding AI into daily government operations to increase productivity.
- Developing inclusive AI solutions to remove accessibility barriers.
Program Details
Applications are open until 29 August 2025. Selected participants will join an intensive eight-week residency in Dubai from 6 October to 28 November 2025. The program covers accommodation and travel expenses, allowing startups and companies to focus entirely on innovation. Importantly, no equity is taken, and participants retain full ownership of their intellectual property.
Participants will work side-by-side with government teams, AI specialists, and senior officials. This close collaboration accelerates the development and deployment of real AI solutions. Saeed Al Falasi, Executive Director of DCAI, highlighted that the program aims to make Dubai a leading city in agile, AI-powered public services focused on enhancing quality of life, efficiency, and user satisfaction.
Results from the First Cycle
Launched in 2024, the first cycle attracted 615 companies from 55 countries. It produced 183 AI use cases, with 75 successfully piloted in government environments. The program demonstrated Dubai’s commitment to practical AI innovation by co-developing and testing applications that address public sector needs.
About the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI)
Established in June 2023, the DCAI is a multi-agency initiative led by the Dubai Future Foundation, working alongside the Digital Dubai Authority, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the Dubai Media Council. It operates under the direction of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
The Centre’s mission is to scale AI adoption across Dubai’s government ecosystem, focusing on three strategic pillars:
- Legislation & Policy: Creating governance models, regulations, and ethical standards for AI.
- Awareness & Capacity-Building: Providing AI literacy and training for civil servants and the public.
- Technology Adoption & Innovation: Partnering with startups and global institutions to implement AI in government services.
DCAI emphasizes trustworthy, inclusive, and human-centered AI solutions that benefit all segments of society.
Building Dubai’s AI Ecosystem: Key Initiatives
DCAI’s AI Accelerator is part of a wider effort to establish Dubai as a global AI hub. Other major initiatives include:
Dubai AI Seal
Launched in January 2025, the Dubai AI Seal certifies AI companies as trusted partners for government projects. Certified companies receive a unique serial number and classification, which they can highlight in marketing efforts. Certification is mandatory for any AI company working on Dubai or UAE government projects, ensuring trust and accountability.
One Million Prompters
Started in May 2024, this program aims to train one million people in AI prompt engineering over three years. It builds practical skills in optimizing inputs for generative AI systems, a key area for future digital workplaces. The initiative followed the Global Prompt Engineering Championship held at the Museum of the Future, which attracted participants from nearly 100 countries and awarded prizes totaling AED 1 million.
Dubai AI Academy
Launched during Dubai AI Week 2025, the Academy targets training 10,000 professionals including government officials and business leaders. Located at the Dubai AI Campus in the DIFC Innovation Hub, it partners with Oxford Saïd Business School, Udacity, and The Minerva Project. Courses focus on AI leadership and practical applications for civil service and business strategy.
Dubai AI Week
Held in April 2025, this flagship event gathered delegations from over 140 countries, featuring 180+ sessions, workshops, and activations. Events included the AI Retreat, Dubai Assembly for AI, and the Machines Can See conference. The week solidified Dubai’s position as a leading city for AI innovation, aligned with the Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI.
Dubai Future Foundation: Driving Innovation Strategy
The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), established in 2016, leads the city’s innovation agenda. It oversees all initiatives under DCAI, including accelerators, academies, certification programs, and events like Dubai AI Week. Operating under H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DFF ensures these efforts align with Dubai’s broader economic and technological goals, especially the D33 Economic Agenda.
Strategic Alignment: D33 Economic Agenda and Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI
All AI initiatives support the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, which aims to embed AI across all strategic sectors. The D33 Economic Agenda targets an annual AED 100 billion (USD 27 billion) contribution to GDP from AI and digital innovation. Key objectives include:
- Integrating AI into government and key industries.
- Establishing AI and Web3 incubators.
- Appointing Chief AI Officers in every government entity.
- Launching AI Weeks in schools and universities.
- Issuing commercial AI licenses.
- Allocating land for AI-ready data centers.
- Delivering AI-powered public services with high quality and efficiency.
This approach positions Dubai as a leader in AI deployment, governance, education, and infrastructure development.
For professionals in government, real estate, and construction sectors, this accelerator and the broader AI ecosystem present opportunities to engage with AI-driven public services, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to Dubai’s smart city evolution.
To explore AI training and resources that could support your team’s readiness for such innovations, visit Complete AI Training.
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