In a culmination of the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence’s (DCAI) accelerator programme, 30 tech companies hailing from 13 different countries showcased their work on over 300 projects during an eight-week stint at AREA 2071. This collaborative effort aimed to devise cutting-edge AI-driven solutions for more than 100 challenges posed by 33 government entities in Dubai.
Looking ahead, DCAI announced plans for the next phase, wherein 72 joint projects will unfold, focusing on two main pillars: the future of government services and the future of the media and communication services sector. This initiative, under the umbrella of DFF, signifies a pioneering model, attracting technology companies to collaborate with government agencies in leveraging AI tools for positive transformations within the Dubai government.
The DCAI was launched in June 2023 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. During his recent visit to AREA 2071, Sheikh Hamdan engaged with entrepreneurs and innovators participating in the final stage of the DCAI accelerator programme.
Saeed Al Falasi, Director of DCAI, highlighted that the selected projects from the programme’s final stage would play a crucial role in enabling all government entities in Dubai to incorporate AI tools into their future projects and initiatives, aligning with the leadership’s vision to stay abreast of global technological trends and international best practices in government work.
Al Falasi emphasized the program’s significance as one of the region’s largest platforms for developing generative AI projects in the government sector. The first tangible outcome was the launch of the Dubai.AI platform by Digital Dubai in partnership with DCAI, facilitating easy access to services and information about Dubai for residents and visitors.
Looking forward, Al Falasi outlined the DCAI’s commitment to empowering government employees with AI tools and skills, fostering the development of practical and applicable solutions on a large scale. The program will also support entrepreneurs in the field by providing partnership and financing opportunities.
The DCAI accelerator programme garnered applications from 615 tech companies worldwide, with a rigorous evaluation process resulting in the selection of 30 companies from Switzerland, the US, the UK, China, Canada, Pakistan, Lebanon, Egypt, Singapore, South Korea, KSA, and the UAE for the final stage in Dubai. More than 200 government employees and 100 entrepreneurs actively participated in workshops and meetings during this phase.
The Future of Generative AI in Government Services accelerator programme concentrated on AI applications supporting government entities to position Dubai as a global leader in shaping the future of government work and delivering innovative government services. Simultaneously, the Future of Generative AI in Media and Communication accelerator programme aimed to enhance media content creation capabilities using AI applications, improving user experiences, reducing costs, and elevating the quality of media products.
The DCAI Accelerators Program facilitated meetings between entrepreneurs and investors, exploring opportunities for business growth and expansion into local, regional, and global markets. Additionally, participants engaged with government agencies and industry experts from the UAE and around the world, fostering collaboration in various future sectors.
