Dubai Plans New AI Campus Facility as Technology Expansion Targets 1,000 Companies
The planned 100,000-square-foot development in DIFC’s Zabeel District will support artificial intelligence research, business innovation and the commercialisation of emerging technologies.
Dubai is preparing to expand its technology infrastructure as the Dubai AI Campus sets its sights on attracting more than 1,000 artificial intelligence companies and supporting over 5,000 specialised jobs by 2030.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, approved the new targets during the third Dubai AI Festival, held at Dubai World Trade Centre on October 26–27, 2026.
The initiative builds on the campus's progress since its launch in May 2024. According to the announcement, the hub has already attracted more than 500 AI companies, which have secured over AED 1 billion in private equity and venture capital funding.
New Development Planned for DIFC’s Zabeel District
A key element of the expansion is a proposed purpose-built AI facility within the Zabeel District expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
Covering approximately 100,000 square feet, the planned building is intended to provide specialist infrastructure for businesses and organisations developing, testing and bringing artificial intelligence technologies to market.
The facility is expected to include dedicated AI laboratories, secure development areas, computing resources and digital twin environments. AI-enabled building systems are also part of the proposed design.
These facilities could help companies test new applications in controlled environments before introducing them into wider commercial or operational use.
The development also reflects the growing importance of specialised technology spaces within Dubai’s commercial landscape, as businesses seek infrastructure that supports research, product development and innovation.
Campus Expansion Builds on Early Growth
The Dubai AI Campus has progressed faster than its original targets, according to DIFC Authority chief executive Arif Amiri.
The campus had initially aimed to attract 500 AI companies by 2028. Having reached that milestone ahead of schedule, it is now pursuing a larger goal for company growth and specialised employment by the end of the decade.
The centre has also supported the creation of more than 2,000 specialised technology jobs, according to DIFC.
The revised ambition points to continued efforts to attract technology businesses, investors and skilled professionals to Dubai. The planned facility is intended to provide additional infrastructure as the campus develops its role in the emirate’s technology ecosystem.
AI Experience Centre to Showcase New Applications
The proposed building will also feature an AI Experience Centre where visitors can explore applications developed by campus companies and technologies being tested across Dubai.
The centre is expected to welcome residents, students, investors, visiting delegations and other members of the public.
By bringing businesses, government organisations, technology specialists and investors together, the facility aims to encourage collaboration and demonstrate how artificial intelligence can be applied across different industries.
The initiative forms part of Dubai’s wider ambition to encourage the adoption of advanced technologies and support businesses working on new digital solutions.
Dubai AI Festival Attracts Global Industry Participation
The 2026 Dubai AI Festival brought together participants from more than 100 countries. Organisers expected over 20,000 attendees, alongside more than 150 speakers, 500 investors and 200 exhibitors.
The two-day programme covered subjects including AI governance, ethics, investment, infrastructure, education and the changing nature of work.
During the event, Sheikh Hamdan visited organisations showcasing developments in several fields. Exhibitors included Dubai Medical University, AI technology company ElevenLabs, cloud service providers Amazon Web Services and Alibaba Cloud, and robotics specialist Linkerbot.
The demonstrations highlighted the range of sectors exploring AI applications, from healthcare and education to cloud computing and robotics.
Implications for Dubai’s Commercial Property and Technology Sectors
The planned campus facility adds another technology-focused development to Dubai’s business infrastructure pipeline. Its location within DIFC’s Zabeel District expansion connects the initiative with one of the emirate’s established financial and commercial centres.
If delivered as planned, the building could provide specialised workspace and technical facilities for companies developing AI products and services. Its broader ecosystem may also support demand for related business services and technology infrastructure.
For Dubai’s property sector, the project is worth monitoring as an example of how commercial development is evolving to accommodate specialised industries rather than conventional office requirements alone.
The immediate focus remains on expanding the AI Campus and attracting additional companies. The longer-term impact will depend on the facility’s development, business uptake and the campus’s ability to meet its targets by 2030.
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