- Applications increased five times compared to the first edition of the program reflects Dubai’s growing global stature as a center for the best talent
- The association sacrifices practical support, finance prior to seeds and investment opportunities after the program for new AI companies
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and Antler, one of the most active inverters in the world, have announced the renewal of their strategic association to accelerate the growth of new AI companies in the region for the second consecutive year.
The program received 10000 applications this year, compared to 2,000 in its inaugural edition, marking an increase of five times. This increase reflects Dubai’s growing global stature as a center for superior talent, avant -garde technologies and a preferred launch for companies promoted by AI.
The second residence of Dubai of Antler presents 96 selected founders of more than 10,000 applicants, of 39 nationalities. Participants benefit from practical support, access to financing prior to vision and investment roads after the program. As part of the association, DFF is organizing antlers in the installation of area 2071, Emirates Towers, providing world -class infrastructure and a vibrant business community to accelerate the growth of new AI companies.
The association was announced in the week of Dubai AI, Hero under the sponsorship of its highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Heir Prince of Dubai, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and President of DFF Trustees.
The Association covers the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan and aims to empower emerging entrepreneurs and new promising companies through financing, tutoring and access to global markets.
When gathering the DFF business ecosystem and the Asta risk capital experience, collaboration strengthens Dubai’s leadership in the configuration of the future of technology and reinforces its position as a global center for innovation and entrepreneurship of AI.
Alia al Mur, head of transformation and associations of DFF, emphasized the meaning of providing an environment conducive to the growth of entrepreneurship in AI. Belhoul said that empowering entrepreneurs in this sector is a profitable investment in the future.
Al Mur said: “Investing in innovators of AI is an investment in the future. Dubai Today is through the center of ideas of AI, projects and talent. It is also a global destination for investors and experts in this transformative technology.
“This is one of several strategic associations in the week of Dubai AI that will improve access to capital and promote direct investment in the AI sector, contributing to the success of the universal plane of Dubai for artificial intelligence and the cementation position as a global center for AI.”
“Our collaboration with DFF is an important step to accelerate innovation promoted by AI in the Menap region,” said Romain Assunção, regional partner of Antler. “Dubai’s position as a global center for talent and technology makes it an ideal pitcher for the next generation of startups.”
The collaboration occurs in the middle of a strong increase in global investment in AI companies, which increased by 62% in 2024 (interannual) to reach USD 110 billion. The AI now repeats a third of the worldwide investment of risk capital and is projected that the global market will grow at an annual rate of 37% in the next five years.
While DFF supports entrepreneurs through commercial incubators, accelerators, funds and tutoring, Antler, appointed the main investor of the world in 2024 by Dealroom.co, currently includes more than 700 startups of AI in their global portfolio and plans to invest in 255 other companies in 2025. To date, Antler has supported more than 1,500 startups and 8,000 founders of 8,000 locations of 305.
Follow Emirates 24 | 7 on Google News.
