Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the heart of digital transformation across the Middle East, and now, Dubai, which is one of the biggest cloud and data center markets in the region has taken yet another significant step by collaborating with tech giant Google to empower start-ups that want to leverage emerging technologies to grow their business.
Dubai AI Campus, the largest dedicated cluster of AI companies in the region at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Innovation Hub, and Google Cloud have announced a collaboration agreement that seeks to leverage Google Cloud’s expertise and resources to boost the start-up ecosystem within the Dubai AI Campus, and accelerate their expansion.
The Dubai AI Campus is a dedicated ecosystem for AI and Web3 innovation providing physical and digital infrastructure, as well as R&D facilities, accelerator programmes and collaborative workspaces, to attract, build and scale startups in the region.
According to a press release, under this collaboration, Google Cloud intends to offer mentorship opportunities for selected start-ups within the Dubai AI Campus, and work with the Campus on programs such as Google Cloud’s Gen AI Startup School. Furthermore, Google for Startups Cloud Program intends to give early-stage start-ups in the Dubai AI Campus ecosystem access to numerous Google resources designed for early-stage start-up founders to help unlock the potential of Google Cloud, including its latest innovations in AI.
Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Innovation Hub, said, “This partnership is a strategic step in harnessing the potential of emerging technologies. We are confident this collaborative agreement will strengthen the Dubai AI Campus as a favourable destination for startups across the world to scale their AI capabilities. Furthermore, it will solidify Dubai’s position as a hub for technology-focused companies and attract more world class talent and diversified investors to the region.”
Ziad Jammal, Country Manager, Google Cloud, UAE said, “This is another step towards supporting Dubai’s forward-looking economic agenda D33 that aims to make Dubai the fastest, safest and most connected city in the world.” He further said, “This collaboration reaffirms our deep commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. By providing startups with access to Google Cloud’s cutting-edge technology, mentorship, and resources, we aim to accelerate their growth and enable them to make a lasting impact on the global stage.”
