Agentic AI in the UAE: what’s been announced
Government and chamber announcements on agentic AI, newest first, with a short note on what each one means for a small business. Every entry links to its source. Last updated 10 October 2026.
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Dubai launches the Create AI Agents Championship
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed launched the championship, run by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy under the Create Apps in Dubai initiative. The prize pool is more than AED 2.5 million, and one of the four categories, Best Business AI Agent, covers agents that improve how organisations work.
Individuals, teams and existing businesses can enter with an idea, a prototype or an early product, though fully commercial products aren’t eligible. Registration closes in December 2026, and introductory workshops and a Digital Academy start in November.
What it means for you: If you’ve built an agent that saves your own team time, the business category is worth a look. Entries need a working prototype, a pitch deck and a demo video.
Source: Gulf Today
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Dubai Chambers plans agentic AI training for more than 14,000 companies
Training runs through the Dubai Chambers Academy, an online learning platform that opened on 1 September. It covers using AI agents in daily operations, productivity and decision-making, and the first tracks are aimed at member companies of the chamber’s business groups and councils.
The cost of the training hasn’t been announced.
What it means for you: If you’re a Dubai Chambers member, ask your business group about the tracks. Either way, expect more of your clients and suppliers to start asking how you use AI.
Source: Khaleej Times
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Abu Dhabi Chamber partners with Presight to bring agentic AI to SMEs
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Presight, a G42 company, signed a partnership to offer agentic AI to the chamber’s network of more than 102,000 registered SMEs. It starts with a pilot group before a wider rollout.
Registered members will get preferential rates. Prices haven’t been published.
What it means for you: Abu Dhabi members should watch for the pilot. Before signing up, ask what data the system needs, where it’s stored and who can see it.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office
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Dubai sets a two-year programme to move its private sector to agentic AI
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed launched the programme. Dubai Chamber of Commerce is to set up incubators and funds for agentic AI companies, the chamber’s business councils get specialised training tracks, and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy is to work on legislation, incubators and international partnerships.
What it means for you: This sets a direction rather than rules for individual businesses. Large clients and suppliers are likely to move first, and small businesses that deal with them will feel it.
Source: Dubai Media Office
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UAE plans to run half of government services on AI within two years
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid announced that about half of federal government sectors, services and operations will move to agentic AI within two years. Federal entities will be assessed on how quickly they adopt it, and all federal employees will receive AI training.
What it means for you: Expect government portals and service centres to change. Renewals, permits and enquiries may increasingly start with an AI agent on the other side.
Source: News On AIR
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