Dubai's leader, Sheikh Hamdan, sets forth the development of an AI Seal for city's businesses

In a significant move to bolster trust in AI offerings and promote accountability, the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) has launched the Dubai AI Seal program. This certification program, announced in January 2025, aims to certify AI companies as trusted partners, particularly for collaborating on government AI projects in Dubai [1][2][3].

What are the AI Seals and Their Significance?

The Dubai AI Seal represents an official endorsement by Dubai's government that a company meets standards of trust, security, ethics, and proven AI activity in the emirate [1][3][4]. The seal classification system has six tiers (E, D, C, B, A, and S), with S representing the highest impact on Dubai’s AI economy, helping stakeholders quickly assess a company’s influence and capabilities [1].

The seal is mandatory for companies working on Dubai or UAE government AI projects to promote accountability and ensure trustworthy deployments of AI technologies in government services [2][3]. Companies awarded the seal receive a unique serial number and classification, which they can use in marketing and official documentation, enhancing their credibility and visibility in the market [2][3].

Applying for the Dubai AI Seal

The application process is free of charge and managed by the DCAI, a division of the Dubai Future Foundation [1]. Businesses can apply through the DCAI website, submitting evidence of their AI activities, which may include consulting, development, infrastructure, integration, or ancillary services relevant to Dubai’s AI economy [1]. The seal is granted based on proof and verification of AI activities conducted in Dubai, ensuring companies have a legitimate operational presence and impact within the emirate [1].

Dubai's Broader AI Strategy

The Dubai AI Seal is part of Dubai’s overall strategy to become a global AI hub by:

Driving economic growth and social benefits from AI.
Integrating AI into government and commercial operations to create a trusted AI environment.
Supporting a broad AI ecosystem with talent development, accelerator programs, and global partnerships.

With this initiative, Dubai continues to establish itself as a world leader in AI adoption and innovation, joining the ranks of top AI superpowers like the US, UAE, and Saudi Arabia [6][7]. The Dubai AI Seal is a testament to the emirate's commitment to fostering a responsible, transparent, and innovative AI ecosystem.

References:

[1] Dubai AI Seal Program. (2025). [Online]. Available: https://dubai-ai-seal.gov.ae/

[2] Dubai AI Seal. (2025). [Online]. Available: https://www.dubaitoday.com/business/dubai-ai-seal-program-launched-to-certify-trusted-ai-partners

[3] Dubai AI Seal Programme. (2025). [Online]. Available: https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/press-release/companies-news/dubai-ai-seal-programme-launched-to-certify-trusted-ai-partners-n-AAN01_1673525465/

[4] Dubai AI Seal Program. (2025). [Online]. Available: https://www.arabianbusiness.com/technology/520363-dubai-ai-seal-program-launched-to-certify-trusted-ai-partners

[5] Dubai AI Seal Program. (2025). [Online]. Available: https://www.gulfnews.com/business/government/dubai-ai-seal-program-launched-to-certify-trusted-ai-partners-1.1673525465867

[6] TRG Datacenters. (2024). The UAE and Saudi Arabia Rank Among the Top Three Artificial Intelligence Superpowers Worldwide. [Online]. Available: https://www.trgdc.com/the-uae-and-saudi-arabia-rank-among-the-top-three-artificial-intelligence-superpowers-worldwide/

[7] Counterpoint Research. (2024). Dubai Ranks in Top Five World Cities for AI Adoption. [Online]. Available: https://www.counterpointresearch.com/dubai-ranks-in-top-five-world-cities-for-ai-adoption/