Dubai Chambers has initiated a large-scale training program to equip over 14,000 companies with skills in agentic AI, software that autonomously performs tasks, as part of the emirate’s push to lead global AI adoption by 2028.
- Training underway for 14,000 companies via Dubai Chambers Academy
- Program is part of Emirate’s 2028 commercial AI leadership goal
- Incubators and funding for AI ventures to follow training rollout
What happened
On September 1, Dubai Chambers launched a comprehensive agentic AI training program for more than 14,000 businesses affiliated with its business groups and councils. This course educates firms on practical uses of AI agents—software systems that can autonomously execute tasks instead of merely responding to queries. The effort marks the first visible stage of a government-backed two-year initiative announced by Dubai’s Crown Prince earlier in May.
The training is delivered through the Dubai Chambers Academy e-learning platform and focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, productivity, and decision-making through agentic AI adoption. Despite the large training scope, further components announced in May, including AI incubators and dedicated investment funds, remain in development and are yet to be fully disclosed.
Why it matters
Dubai’s program is among the largest government-led pushes worldwide to train private sector firms specifically on agentic AI technology, reflecting the emirate’s ambitious vision to become the global hub for AI commercialization by 2028. Equipping thousands of companies with AI skills aligns with broader digital transformation efforts underway in the UAE’s economic plans, positioning the region at the forefront of emerging AI innovation and entrepreneurship.
However, agentic AI remains a nascent and challenging technology with significant risks and uncertainties. Industry analysts predict many agentic AI projects will fail due to high costs, unclear value, and insufficient risk management. Moreover, recent incidents involving autonomous AI agents operating without adequate safeguards highlight the importance of combining training with robust safety and oversight frameworks.
What to watch next
Industry observers will be closely monitoring the rollout of Dubai’s planned AI incubators and funding programs, which are critical for translating training into tangible commercial outcomes. The availability and scale of financial support for startups and businesses deploying agentic AI will reveal how serious Dubai is about sustaining this ecosystem beyond education.
Additionally, progress in managing the safety and ethical risks associated with agentic AI adoption will be vital as Dubai expands commercial use. Given recent high-profile lapses in AI agent containment globally, how Dubai’s organizations implement risk controls and oversight will influence the credibility and success of this ambitious initiative.