Dubai backs launch of AI trade hub across three continents
New platform to link Africa, Europe, and the Middle East
#UAE #ArtificialIntelligence – Dubai Future Foundation’s Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) has partnered with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) to launch a new AI trade and investment hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Announced during Dubai AI Week 2025 as part of a multilateral initiative, the platform aims to reduce barriers to market access and funding for startups, support cross-border innovation, and build AI-focused economic ties between regions. Dubai will serve as the Middle East’s launch partner, helping to position the city as a central node in a fast-growing global AI ecosystem.
SO WHAT? – As showcased by the city-wide Dubai AI Week, Dubai is playing a growing role as a global AI connector, linking underrepresented innovation centres across Asia, the Middle East and Africa with new markets, partnerships and venture capital. As AI becomes a defining force in the global economy, international cooperation is increasingly vital. With a goal of shaping new global trade connections for AI, the partnership announced by Dubai Future Foundation and the SAAIA could create meaningful pathways for startups to scale beyond borders, and for investors to tap into new, high-potential markets, like Africa.
A few key points about this announcement:
Dubai Future Foundation and Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) have partnered with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) to co-launch a cross-continental AI trade and investment hub.
The initiative aims to remove market and capital barriers that limit startup growth, particularly in emerging regions.
Dubai will lead the Middle East participation, strengthening its position as a key global AI gateway.
The hub will offer matchmaking between investors and startups, promote business expansion, and support responsible AI practices.
According to the media statement, partners from Europe are also involved, creating a tri-regional platform for AI ecosystem building.
The move is intended to drive inclusive growth and cross-border innovation exchange between Africa, Europe, and the Middle Est.
The launch follows Africa’s rising profile in AI, highlighted by the $628 million acquisition of Tunisian startup InstaDeep in 2023.
SAAIA, established in 2023, unites AI stakeholders in South Africa and promotes inclusive, responsible adoption of AI.
The platform is a response to the growing imbalance in global AI investment, where African startups remain underfunded despite their innovation potential.
The initiative supports both economic development and AI ethics, aiming to ensure no region or community is left behind.
ZOOM OUT – The META region (Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa) is fast emerging as a global source of AI investment, talent and innovation, although huge differences exist from country to country. AI spending in the region hit $4.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $14.6 billion by 2028, according to IDC. The surge is driven by strong public and private commitment to digital transformation and the accelerating adoption of enterprise AI, led by Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye and the UAE. As generative AI reshapes sectors from engineering to customer experience, connecting the investment, talent and innovation across the region could be the key to unlocking META’s full AI potential.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]
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