Dubai, South Africa Launch AI Trade Hub for Global Growth

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), through the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), has teamed up with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) to create a new AI trade and investment hub. The main goal of this hub is to speed up collaboration between different regions and provide new opportunities for AI startups and investors in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

This project has several regional partners, including some from Europe. The DCAI, which was set up by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is managed by DFF, will be the partner for the Middle East launch. The hub aims to overcome challenges related to market access and capital, helping to boost trade, share innovation, and support responsible AI development in emerging markets.

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Saeed Al Falasi, Director of the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, shared his thoughts: "AI is changing the global landscape, and working together across countries is essential. This partnership will allow ideas, talent, and money to flow easily between borders. By connecting fast-growing ecosystems, we’re helping startups in developing markets and building a more inclusive future for AI. Dubai is a great place for new ideas to grow and be shared with the world."

Dr. Nick Bradshaw, Founder and Chairman of SAAIA, also spoke about the partnership: "AI investment is growing quickly in Europe and the Middle East, but Africa’s innovation scene is still not fully recognized, even though it has some of the most exciting startups. Our partnership with the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence and other partners will help African startups get better access to global capital, markets, and networks."

An example of Africa's potential in AI is the recent $628 million purchase of Tunisian AI startup InstaDeep, showing how much untapped opportunity there is. The new hub will connect startups with investors, help businesses expand, and promote the growth of AI ecosystems in emerging markets.

Dr. Bradshaw added: "This partnership isn’t just symbolic—it’s a real system for AI trade and investment between Africa, the Middle East, and other regions. It’s time to act, and we’re excited to move forward with Dubai as our partner in this important project."

This collaboration is an important step in creating a global AI ecosystem that allows innovation to thrive across continents.