Dubai’s 2-year Agentic AI program puts the private sector at the front line of AI adoption

• Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum unveiled a plan to transition Dubai’s private sector to Agentic AI within 2 years.
• The Agentic AI program seeks to give Dubai a competitive edge in the global market.
• In April, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that 50% of UAE government services would operate using AI agents by 2028.

In the next 2 years, 50% of UAE government services will use AI agents. Announced in April, this move aims to fortify the digital economy and encourage more people to start businesses in Dubai. Complementarily, on May 4, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, launched an innovative strategy.

The two-year Agentic AI program seeks to bring autonomous systems into the private sector, thereby helping businesses make AI a core part of their operations. As AI becomes essential rather than optional, it is important for both established companies and newcomers to understand what this means. This is precisely why this series examines Dubai’s strategic decision in early 2026.

This article covers how programs like Agentic AI are driving innovation, boosting investor confidence, and helping Dubai stand out as a leading tech-focused business location.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed unveils Dubai’s Agentic AI vision

Dubai has launched a two-year strategy to integrate agentic AI into the private sector. The move reinforces its ambition to become one of the world’s most technologically advanced economies.

The Agentic AI plan was announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , we are launching today a new initiative to transform towards Agentic AI (self-executing and self-leading artificial intelligence) in Dubai’s private sector.

Our goal is for Dubai to become the world’s…

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) May 4, 2026

It is designed to embed advanced AI capabilities into everyday business operations. Importantly, the launch of this program fosters workforce development, startup support, and broader economic transformation aligned with the UAE’s long-term digital vision.

What is agentic AI?

Agentic AI refers to systems capable of operating with a high degree of autonomy, including:

• Executing multi-step tasks
• Adapting based on outcomes
• Working and making decisions with minimal human involvement

In a business context, this means AI can manage workflows, optimise operations, and automate complex processes without constant supervision.

Notably, the key strategy includes several core pillars:

• Specialised AI training tracks across business councils affiliated with Dubai Chambers
• Establishment of incubators dedicated to agentic AI enterprises
• Support for companies in adopting new technology, including emerging AI and automation tools

In his social media post, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed stated that Dubai aims to empower companies to adopt Agentic AI technologies. This approach will boost productivity, increase business volumes, and elevate the city’s economy to a global leader in this field. He announced the establishment of incubators for Agentic AI companies, which will create new economic opportunities for young talents and include allocated funds to support this transition.

This roadmap streamlines the market entry strategy in Dubai for companies expanding their operations and boosts interest among entrepreneurs looking for AI growth opportunities.

National AI adoption plan

At the federal level, the UAE Cabinet has outlined plans for AI agents to support up to 50% of government services within two years. This move accentuates a broader shift toward digital governance and smart public services, further strengthening Dubai’s business environment for tech-focused industries. Hence, these developments are impactful in sectors like technology, AI, logistics, supply chain, healthcare, and finance (e.g., fintech),

Cybersecurity as a foundation for Dubai’s Agentic AI ecosystem

Dubai’s agentic AI strategy relies on strong cybersecurity to ensure the safe operation of autonomous systems. For both businesses and government, success with AI comes from having the right skills, building trust, and maintaining secure digital infrastructure. 

The UAE consistently ranks high on the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index. This is especially important as AI systems take on more independent roles in the economy and public sector. At the national level, the UAE Cyber Security Council leads a coordinated approach that includes AI-powered threat detection and real-time monitoring.

Also read: The UAE raises the cybersecurity benchmark in 2025: How will this impact tech businesses?

AI is now integral to cybersecurity, with machine learning analysing network activity and user behaviour in real-time to detect anomalies and threats faster than traditional methods. To stay resilient, the UAE balances automated threat detection with human oversight.

Developing talent is also crucial for this system. Programs like CyberE71, Cyber Pulse, and Cyber Sniper are training new cybersecurity professionals to handle emerging digital risks. Meanwhile, talent development initiatives like CyberE71, Cyber Pulse, and Cyber Sniper strengthen the workforce needed to sustain innovation.

The programs are undeniably important for the private sector, whether entrepreneurs have already established their ventures or are still considering setting up their business in Dubai and the wider UAE.

Dubai’s path to a tech-ready economy

Dubai’s ability to scale artificial intelligence while maintaining world-class cybersecurity standards reflects a carefully balanced growth model. The emirate’s data-driven policies, from AI integration across up to 50% of government services to its consistently high global cybersecurity rankings, reinforce a stable and innovation-led economic trajectory.

For investors, this strategic combination of advanced technology and institutional trust creates a compelling case for starting a business in Dubai. Here, long-term growth is backed by cutting-edge infrastructure and a secure digital foundation.