The UAE is on a mission to become a global leader in AI. Guided by the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, the country is poised to leverage AI to overcome challenges, deliver actionable solutions, and create new markets of high economic value.
The UAE’s AI market is forecasted to grow to USD 46.33 billion by 2030, a significant increase from USD 3.47 billion in 2023-2024.
As the UAE secures its position as a global AI hub, AI is playing a central role in driving a groundbreaking transformation across industries such as banking, construction, and others.
Examples of how AI is being used across the UAE
1. AI in the banking industry
Smarter spending and safer finances with AI
With the region’s AI in the financial services market projected to surge from $625 million in 2023 to over $4.7 billion by 2032, AI is becoming a foundational driver of innovation, efficiency, and customer engagement in the financial industry.
AI-powered virtual assistants are revolutionising customer experience by providing 24/7 support, answering routine queries, and guiding users through financial products with real-time assistance. As UAE’s first digital bank, Liv Digital Bank uses AI to analyse users’ spending patterns, helping customers avoid unnecessary charges and manage their budgets effectively.
2. AI in the real estate industry
Powering investor confidence and developer strategy
AI is helping real estate developers and investors to make smarter decisions by forecasting market trends, evaluating property values, and identifying high-yield opportunities. On both sides of the real estate market, investors and builders are harnessing AI to make better decisions, where 57% of investors use AI insights within the decision-making process, while 68% of real estate developers in Dubai use AI tools for predictive analytics and customer insights.
3. AI in the tourism and hospitality industry
Enhancing visitor experience with AI personalisation
Dubai's tourism and hospitality sector is embracing AI to provide a more personalised experience. For example, the Shangri-La Hotel has implemented a Guest Automation System which adjusts room temperatures to a comfortable level as guests head to their rooms after check-in.
These personalisation AI implementations could increase hotel revenues by over 10% and reduce costs by more than 15%.
Furthermore, dynamic pricing algorithms are helping optimise revenue, adjusting prices based on demand, seasonality, and customer preferences. These technological advancements have increased customer satisfaction, bolstering Dubai's reputation as a world-class tourist destination. The success stories from this sector further demonstrate the profitability of investing in Dubai's artificial intelligence ventures.
4. AI in the oil and gas industry
Drilling smarter and spending less
The oil and gas industry will also benefit from the use of AI, with solutions further enhancing operations in demand forecasting, predictive maintenance, and oil and drilling exploration.
Within demand forecasting, AI algorithms can leverage large amounts of historical data and market trends to generate accurate demand forecast reports, so companies can make data-driven decisions and optimise their production schedules.
By using sensors and data analytics, AI can continuously monitor the health of equipment, detecting anomalies and potential failures before they occur. A proactive approach reduces downtime and extends the machinery’s lifespan, ultimately leading to greater cost savings.
Companies can also harness AI to process and analyse large geological datasets to seek out drilling locations with greater oil reserves more accurately. This helps companies reduce the financial risk of dry wells while minimising environmental impacts through targeted drilling.
5. AI in the construction industry
Building smart and designing faster
The construction industry is embracing AI to revolutionise project planning and design through the use of generative AI. AI can leverage data such as site topography, wind loads, materials, budgets, and sustainability goals to generate a range of optimised design options, all ready for engineering review and code compliance.
At large-scale developments like NEOM and the Red Sea Project, generative AI is already in active use. AI models integrated with auto design software are helping planners simulate infrastructure layouts, forecast resource demands, and minimise environmental impact.
6. AI in the healthcare industry
Precision care and more streamlined systems with AI
In the UAE’s healthcare sector, AI is helping to provide real-time insights, enhanced diagnostics, and more favourable patient outcomes. In hospitals under the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), AI is being used with 3D printing and anatomical modelling to improve surgical precision and reduce costs. Surgeons can utilise these technologies to plan complex procedures more accurately, resulting in fewer complications and shorter recovery times.
On a general level, AI has helped in improving operational efficiencies. Public health systems in Dubai are using AI to streamline administrative tasks, employing AI strategies to standardise patient records and nursing support.
DMCC’s AI ecosystem
DMCC’s dedicated AI ecosystem is built to support innovation, research, and talent development in the UAE. The initiative offers flexible licensing, regular AI hackathons, and access to funding opportunities that enable startups and developers to test, build, and scale AI solutions within a supportive framework.
Partnerships with global players, such as AGCC and IBM, enable ecosystem member companies to connect with advanced tools, research networks, and collaborative opportunities. DMCC also hosts education and training programmes to help bridge the region’s AI skills gap, equipping professionals with the knowledge needed to contribute to an evolving digital economy.
The future of AI in the UAE
As AI continues to mature, it's expected to increasingly influence the strategic decisions of companies operating in Dubai. Whether predictive analytics guides business strategies or AI-driven automation enhances operational efficiency, artificial intelligence is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future business landscape.
