All eyes on /function1: Dubai’s AI conference to feature SEED Ventures’ innovative leader

• The /function1 event will be held on 18-19 November 2025, under the theme ‘Where the AI World Gathers’.
• This AI conference and exhibition will attract global entrepreneurs and investors interested in doing business in Dubai.
• Speaker and Pitch Stage jury member Priyanka Vijayan will discuss investment and venture-building strategies tailored for the Dubai market.

The UAE has been clear on its mission to lead in AI, thereby launching several initiatives and backing innovative projects. This includes appointing the world’s first minister of state for AI in 2017 and introducing the National AI Strategy 2031, which aims to boost the economy by AED335 billion (about $91 billion) in six years. With its AI market projected to grow by 1,218% (from US$3 billion, or AED 12 billion, in 2023) to US$46 billion (AED 168 billion) by 2030, the nation is firmly reinforcing its place as a global innovation capital.

Dubai, in particular, has launched several ambitious developments, which include the launch of the Dubai AI Campus and the integration of AI in schools. These steps highlight the city’s commitment to AI adoption and show that doing business in Dubai means connecting with leading innovators driving the future of intelligent technology.

Scheduled to bring together participants from the AI ecosystem, the /function1 event is returning on 18-19 November 2025. It will be held at the Festival Arena in Dubai, under the theme ‘Where the AI World Gathers’.

/function1 AI Conference and Exhibition returns this November 2025

The /function1 AI event will bring together over 10,000 attendees, 150 speakers, and 100 exhibitors from over 100 countries. Its agenda covers AI and employment, decentralised AI, robotics, AI agents, creativity, and security. About 64% of participants will be founders and C-level executives, with opportunities for networking with investors, government regulators, media professionals, designers, and scientists from across 100 countries. As such, the event is a strategic avenue for entrepreneurs interested in doing business in Dubai.

A major highlight of the tech exhibition is the AI Genesis Hackathon, set to gather 4,000+ developers and 300+ teams for a five-day hybrid challenge. It will culminate on stage at /function1, showcasing innovative solutions to real-world challenges. 

Complementing this is the Founders Program, gathering 5,000 of the most promising AI-driven startups for workshops, investor Q&As, and live pitches. This will inevitably serve as a launchpad for next-generation Dubai SMEs and those exploring market entry strategy. Additionally, the AI Future Labs initiative will engage top university students in the UAE with multi-stage competitions, mentored by industry and academic experts.

The /function1 AI conference and exhibition is organised by CREZEE, a production and consulting house known for hosting major tech events since 2014. Their past events have featured prominent figures like Vitalik Buterin, Ben Goertzel, the Winklevoss twins, and other key leaders in blockchain and AI.

Priyanka Vijayan to explore What Today’s AI Investors Want

Priyanka Vijayan, Director of Ventures at SEED Ventures (a division of Seed Group), will speak at /function1 on 18 November 2025. She will join the panel discussion, ‘The Doom of AI Startups? Making Predictions While BigTech Overflows the Market,’ focusing on ‘What Today’s AI Investors Want’. Her discussion will cover venture building, investor readiness, scalable business models, and regulatory alignment — all essential for founders navigating the Dubai business environment.

On the same day, Vijayan will be a jury member for the Pitch Stage: Startups & VCs, evaluating early-stage firms and their unique business ideas.

With extensive experience in business development and investment strategy in the UAE and MENA region, Vijayan has successfully driven multimillion-dollar revenues and developed innovative models through cross-border collaborations. She advises on cryptocurrency integration and financial solutions, leveraging her strong relationships with banks and regulators. Her proven expertise makes her a key resource for startups and SMEs doing business in Dubai.

AI driving the ease of doing business in Dubai

The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy reports that the UAE has secured US$2 billion (AED2 billion) in funding, completing 569 funding rounds and supporting 222 tech startups. This underscores the country’s thriving AI ecosystem and its appeal to global entrepreneurs looking for an efficient business setup, supported by progressive regulatory systems and business incentives.

The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum serves a key aspect in this ecosystem, influencing sectors like fintech, tourism, aviation, and healthcare. Its umbrella company, Seed Group, facilitates the smooth market entry for international companies. Omnia Hamed, Director for International Ventures at The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, will speak at /function1, with more details coming soon.

As Dubai accelerates its vision to become a global technology centre, /function1 is a must-attend event for innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs interested in the emirate’s AI ecosystem. Join /function1 from 18-19 November 2025 and discover why doing business in Dubai means being part of an AI-ready future.