Dubai launches AI agents championship with more than Dh2.5 million in prizes
Dubai has launched a new global competition focused on artificial intelligence agents, offering more than Dh2.5 million in prize money as the emirate accelerates its push to become a leading centre for AI innovation.
The Create AI Agents Championship replaces Dubai’s previous app development competition and shifts the focus towards autonomous AI systems capable of solving real-world problems.
The initiative was announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
From apps to autonomous AI
The new championship builds on the success of the Create Apps Championship, which was launched in 2023.
Instead of asking participants to develop traditional digital applications, the new competition will focus on AI agents — systems designed to perform tasks, make decisions and interact with users with a greater level of independence.
Dubai wants the competition to encourage developers, entrepreneurs and young innovators to create practical AI tools that can improve services and everyday life.
Sheikh Hamdan said the initiative aims to position Dubai among the first cities globally to lead innovation in this rapidly developing field.
Four categories and Dh1 million top prize
Participants will compete across four categories:
Best Societal AI Agent, focused on solutions that can improve communities and public services.
Best Personal AI Agent, for systems designed to support individuals in their daily lives.
Best Business AI Agent, aimed at tools that can improve companies, productivity and commercial operations.
Best Youth AI Agent, reserved for participants under the age of 21.
Each category winner will receive a Dh550,000 grant.
One project will then be selected as the overall AI Agent of the Year, receiving an additional Dh1 million prize.
The total prize pool exceeds Dh2.5 million.
Open to participants from around the world
The championship is open to people of all ages, nationalities and professional backgrounds.
Participants do not need to arrive with a fully developed product.
Entries can range from original ideas and early prototypes to minimum viable products that are ready for further development.
However, solutions that have already been fully commercialised will not be eligible.
The broad entry requirements are designed to attract both experienced technology professionals and younger creators who may be developing their first AI projects.
Training and mentorship will be available
Registration for the championship is already open.
Dubai will also provide educational support through workshops, advanced training programmes and mentorship sessions during November and December.
A dedicated Digital Academy will help participants develop their concepts and improve both the technical and business sides of their projects.
The programme is intended to make the championship more than a traditional competition by giving participants access to expertise that could help transform early ideas into viable AI products.
Dubai’s previous app competition attracted 153 countries
The new championship follows three editions of the Create Apps Championship.
Since launching in 2023, the initiative attracted 15,564 app submissions from 153 countries and supported the launch of more than 140 applications.
The latest winners were also announced during the ceremony at Emirates Towers Boulevard.
POP by Kwelio, a smart medication-adherence platform using behavioural science and predictive analytics, won both the Longevity App of the Year award and the overall title of Dubai’s App of the Year.
Its success highlighted the type of practical technology Dubai now hopes to take further through AI agents.
Dubai increases focus on AI
The launch comes as Dubai continues investing heavily in artificial intelligence across government, business and public services.
AI agents are increasingly viewed as the next major stage of generative AI, moving beyond chatbots that respond to questions and towards systems capable of completing complex tasks on behalf of users.
For Dubai, the new championship is designed to attract talent before the technology becomes fully established.
By offering funding, mentorship and an international platform, the emirate hopes to encourage developers to build AI tools that can eventually be used across society and business.
The shift from apps to AI agents also reflects how quickly the technology landscape is changing.
What began as a competition for mobile applications only three years ago is now evolving into a global search for autonomous digital assistants — with more than Dh2.5 million available for the ideas that could shape the next generation of AI.
