Indian tech companies to play a key role in Dubai’s ambitious AI plans

The city of Dubai has laid out an ambitious plan to become one of the global AI powerhouses, and here’s why Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, think India is a key technology partner in this roadmap.

Beyond the bling, Dubai has an ambitious blueprint to integrate artificial intelligence across all sectors, as well as attract top talent and companies to the city, and India stands to play a key role in this revolution.

The Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, outlined by the Dubai government, aims to establish the UAE emirate as a leader in AI governance and legislation, as its strategic location allows companies from East and West access to regional and global markets.

Dubai Chambers—the government body responsible for the city’s economic development and business growth—offers end-to-end support to companies establishing a presence in the emirate. The umbrella organisation comprises three arms: Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, and Dubai International Chamber.

In fact, Indian AI, fintech, software, and ecommerce firms have established and expanded their presence in Dubai, thanks to the organisation. With offices in India’s technology hubs, Mumbai and Bengaluru, the Dubai International Chamber now helps Indian companies navigate local regulations and build connections in the city.

In an email interaction with Enterprise Story, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said, “The digital economy is a central pillar of Dubai’s long-term growth strategy, and India’s globally recognised expertise in IT and emerging technologies makes it an ideal partner in this journey.”

Edited excerpts:

Enterprise Story [ES]: What is the vision of Dubai becoming one of the main hubs for AI globally?

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah [MARL]: Dubai is positioning itself as a global AI powerhouse in line with the forward-thinking vision outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). This ambitious roadmap aims to generate $27 billion for Dubai’s economy annually through digital transformation projects and boost productivity by 50% by leveraging cutting-edge technologies.

The Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence is designed to integrate AI across all sectors, attracting top talent and companies, future-proofing government services, and establishing Dubai as a leader in AI governance and legislation.

From dedicated AI leadership at the government level to the launch of specialised AI and Web3 incubators, Dubai is laying strong foundations for technological innovation. Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy plays a central role in this transformation by cultivating a dynamic ecosystem that supports tech companies and digital startups.

Through strategic initiatives such as Business in Dubai and Expand North Star, the chamber is working to reduce barriers to entry, facilitate access to funding and networks, and create meaningful growth opportunities. Combined with the city’s robust infrastructure of co-working spaces, incubators, and accelerators, Dubai provides a fertile environment for startups to innovate, expand, and scale globally, further reinforcing its position as a premier destination for AI and digital economy enterprises.

ES: What are the strong points of Dubai as an AI and technology hub?

MARL: Dubai offers a unique combination of strengths, including a government that actively supports innovation, world-class digital infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment with streamlined regulations, a favourable tax regime, and strong access to funding.

The emirate is home to a vibrant tech ecosystem spanning AI, fintech, clean energy, and smart city solutions, supported by a growing network of accelerators and incubators. Its strategic location, between East and West, provides companies access to major regional and global markets.

Dubai is moving forward with plans to integrate AI tools such as ChatGPT across government services, with applications spanning the healthcare, energy, and education sectors. These bold steps reflect Dubai and the UAE’s ambition to lead in AI infrastructure, innovation, and real-world implementation.

Dubai also benefits from the strong presence of Indian businesses, which form the largest foreign business community in the emirate. Their vast expertise in IT and technology continues to drive meaningful synergies and contribute to the city’s growing status as a global innovation hub.

ES: What steps is Dubai taking to attract Indian tech professionals?

MARL: Dubai is taking a proactive, multi-faceted approach to attracting Indian tech professionals and entrepreneurs. The emirate offers a high quality of life, a safe and stable environment, world-class infrastructure, and a cosmopolitan culture that appeals to global talent.

Its competitive tax regime and attractive salary packages further enhance its appeal for skilled professionals seeking international opportunities.

Beyond lifestyle advantages, Dubai provides a supportive environment for tech professionals to grow, innovate, and scale. Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy plays a central role in this effort. Through Expand North Star—the world’s largest event for startups and investors—the chamber connects entrepreneurs with global venture capital. The 2024 edition brought together over 1,800 startups and 1,200 investors managing assets worth over $1 trillion, offering Indian tech founders valuable exposure to international funding and partnerships.

To facilitate smooth market entry, the chamber’s Business in Dubai platform offers end-to-end support to companies establishing a presence in the emirate. Indian firms in the AI, fintech, software, and ecommerce sectors have actively benefited from this platform.

Complementing these efforts, Dubai International Chamber maintains offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru, helping Indian companies navigate local regulations and build strategic connections. Besides, the Dubai-India Business Forum reinforce Dubai’s commitment to attracting top tech talent and fostering cross-border collaboration in high-growth sectors.

By the end of March this year, over 72,650 Indian companies were registered as active members of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, with nearly 4,500 joining in Q1FY25 alone. These impressive figures highlight Dubai’s strong attraction for the Indian business community, including in the future-facing technology sectors.

ES: Going forward, how do you see the partnership between Dubai and India's technology sectors?

MARL: Dubai has positioned itself as a leading hub for digital innovation, with major opportunities in AI, fintech, clean energy, blockchain, and smart city solutions. The digital economy is a central pillar of Dubai’s long-term growth strategy, and India’s globally recognised expertise in IT and emerging technologies makes it an ideal partner in this journey.

The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)—the first agreement of its kind signed by the UAE with any country—highlights the strategic importance of our relationship. Since its implementation in May 2022, the CEPA has delivered a measurable boost to bilateral trade and investments.

Several key platforms are driving this collaboration forward. Initiatives such as the Dubai-India Business Forum and Expand North Star offer strategic avenues for knowledge exchange, investment attraction, and joint innovation. Meanwhile, our representative offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru are further strengthening economic ties, supporting Indian businesses seeking to scale internationally through Dubai.

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy remains fully committed to supporting Indian tech companies and startups with the tools, networks, and environment they need to thrive. As we continue to build a digitally driven and globally connected economy, we look forward to welcoming more Indian innovators and tech businesses to Dubai and shaping a future of shared success.