Largest AI and Tech Cluster in MENA: Dubai’s ‘AI & Web 3.0 Campus’ Aims for 500 Companies

Dubai: The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has unveiled plans to establish the 'Dubai AI & Web 3.0 Campus', a groundbreaking initiative aimed at attracting over 500 AI and Web 3.0 companies to the region by 2028. Under the guidance of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of DIFC, the ambitious project seeks to create a dynamic hub for emerging technologies.

Spanning an expansive area of 100,000 square feet within the DIFC premises, the 'Dubai AI & Web 3.0 Campus' is set to become the largest cluster of Artificial Intelligence and tech companies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 

The state-of-the-art facility will house cutting-edge hardware, research and development facilities, accelerator programs, and collaborative workspaces, providing an ideal environment for visionary entrepreneurs and innovators.

With a specific focus on the integration of AI and Web 3.0 in the financial services industry, the campus aims to drive innovation and transform the sector. The DIFC Innovation Hub's latest venture,



headquartered at the Centre's new 'Innovation One' premises, seeks to attract significant investments totaling $300 million and generate over 3,000 job opportunities within the next five years.

Essa Kazim, the Governor of DIFC, emphasized the pivotal role of AI in the UAE's economy, stating that AI is projected to contribute 14% to the country's GDP by 2030. He added, "The Dubai AI & Web 3.0 Campus will significantly contribute to this growth as a global nexus for R&D, investment, and innovation."

The DIFC's Innovation Hub offers an extensive ecosystem for FinTech and venture capital, providing favorable licensing solutions, regulatory frameworks, accelerator programs, and funding opportunities for startups. In 2022 alone, the FinTech and Innovation sector in DIFC raised over $615 million in funds, solidifying its status as the fastest-growing sector within the Centre.

By attracting global innovators, startups, and industry leaders, the 'Dubai AI & Web 3.0 Campus' aims to create a thriving ecosystem of AI-driven initiatives in the region.