Dubai is set to become the launchpad for a new AI trade and investment hub, following a strategic partnership between the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) and the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA). The initiative aims to boost cross-border collaboration and create fresh opportunities for AI startups and investors across EMEA.

The first-ever Dubai AI Week will run from 21–25 April. The event will bring together more than 10,000 participants from over 100 countries for a landmark exploration of AI’s impact on business and society.

UAE tech startups raised a record $872m in Q1 2025, an 865%year-on-year increase, according to Tracxn’s latest UAE Tech Funding Report.

The UAE-based AI startup AIREV has secured investment from Irish private equity firm Venturewave Capital to accelerate the global rollout of ‘On-Demand’, a pioneering AI operating system that currently has 60,000 users.

Dubai is preparing to host the 2025 edition of the Dubai AI Festival, reaffirming its status as a global hub for AI and emerging technologies.

The UAE has secured the top spot in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report 2025, marking its fourth consecutive year as the leading nation for entrepreneurship.

UAE-based data analytics firm Presight has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft to enhance its AI startup accelerator. As part of the partnership, Microsoft will help equip startups with cloud services, AI tools, and technical guidance.

Abu Dhabi is set to welcome over 25,000 participants at AIM Congress 2025. This is the 14th edition of the congress and will take place from 7 to 9 April 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

UAE-based payment solutions provider enza has raised $6.75m in a seed equity funding round co-led by Algebra Ventures and Quona Capital.