Dubai: Dubai Holding has announced a collaboration with Microsoft to embed artificial intelligence (AI) at the core of its operations, positioning the Group at the forefront of enterprise AI adoption in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
According to Emirates News Agency, the collaboration establishes the first deployment of its kind at enterprise scale in the region and reflects Dubai Holding's strategic direction to integrate advanced technologies as core operational capabilities. This initiative aims to drive a more consistent, performance-led operating model across its portfolio, aligned with the UAE's broader ambition to lead in the adoption of artificial intelligence.
Through this collaboration, Dubai Holding will embed AI into its core processes and decision-making frameworks, enabling greater operational efficiency across the organisation and its operations spanning real estate, hospitality, retail, entertainment, investments, and community management. Employees across the Group will be equipped with access through a unified interface, allowing them to apply these tools directly within their day-to-day responsibilities. This includes the development and deployment of AI agents to automate routine tasks and streamline workflows, marking a shift in how the organisation approaches productivity and decision-making.
This initiative will be supported by a structured programme of training and enablement, including targeted workshops and practical use-case development, ensuring consistent adoption across the organisation and enabling employees to apply these capabilities effectively in their roles.
By embedding AI at scale, Dubai Holding is contributing to Dubai's broader digital transformation ambitions, in alignment with national strategies such as the UAE National AI Strategy 2031 and the Dubai AI Roadmap. This move reinforces the emirate's position as a global hub for applied innovation and the adoption of advanced technologies.
This collaboration reflects Dubai Holding's broader approach to advancing artificial intelligence through strategic collaborations with leading global technology partners, including its existing joint venture Aither with Palantir Technologies. Amit Kaushal, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding, commented on the partnership, emphasizing the central role of technology in their operations and their deliberate step in embedding AI into core operations, in line with Dubai's digital transformation ambitions.
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, stated that the next phase of artificial intelligence is defined by its application at scale to drive productivity and long-term value. Microsoft's role is to support customers like Dubai Holding with the platforms and capabilities needed to integrate AI securely into their operations, while advancing responsible innovation that benefits employees, businesses, and the broader economy.