The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which is the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, has launched a Artificial Intelligence (AI) and coding licence, in cooperation with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Office.
Companies holding the licence will work within a stimulating environment at the DIFC Innovation Hub, which is the largest cluster of fintech and innovation companies in the region.
The Hub hosts more than 500 firms, ranging from start-ups to global unicorns, representing over 60 per cent of all GCC FinTechs. In addition, the licence provides an opportunity to obtain UAE Golden Visas for employees working in those companies.
“Dubai and DIFC are global ambassadors for AI”
The licence, which is the first of its kind in the UAE, is in line with the country’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and aims to enhance the UAE’s reputation in this field by attracting artificial intelligence companies and coders worldwide.
The Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Omar Sultan Al Olama, commented: “Such initiatives reflect positively on the country’s readiness to become a global destination for pioneering the industries of the future by adopting advanced technology and stimulating innovation in various fields.
Al Olama added: “The UAE Government is keen to support digital transformation processes that embody the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“This is being achieved by developing digital activities and providing innovative solutions that contribute to improving the performance of governments and the lives of communities. DIFC has opened new horizons for leading global companies that aspire to enhance their efforts in the field of artificial intelligence and expand their businesses further.”
The Governor of DIFC, Essa Kazim, said: “Dubai and DIFC are global ambassadors for artificial intelligence. Financial Services companies in DIFC and a broad spectrum of other industries across the emirate are setting the standard, contributing to the UAE’s ambitious goal to have an internationally competitive, knowledge-based economy.
“DIFC is proud to be collaborating with the UAE AI Office, confirming our commitment to the country’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence to drive the future of finance.”
