Dubai Future Foundation Partners With Meta To Kickstart AI Incubator Programme

The AI Retreat 2024, organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) in collaboration with the National Program for Artificial Intelligence, marked the launch of a joint business incubator programme by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and Meta. This new initiative aims to explore how Large Language Models (LLMs) can support product and service innovation across industries.

The programme, which adopts Meta's AI model "LLAMA 3", was well-received by participants, including industry leaders, experts, and global companies at the AI Retreat in Dubai. It particularly resonated with creative thinkers, future technology entrepreneurs, and founders of startups and established companies specialising in AI applications.

The programme aligns with the goals of the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (DUB.AI), which aims to support Dubai's economic agenda (D33) by adding AED 100 billion through digital transformation. It also seeks to increase economic productivity by 50 percent through innovation and digital solutions.

By positioning Dubai as a nurturing environment for AI companies and global talents, the programme aims to accelerate these goals. The city is already home to eight global tech unicorns, making it an ideal location for such initiatives.

The business incubator programme will foster collaboration and help exchange knowledge and expertise in AI product development. It aims to enhance innovation, improve the competitiveness of entrepreneurial projects, and develop opportunities and talents. Additionally, it will support creative initiatives that open new horizons in the digital economy, expected to reach US$ 780 billion by 2030.

Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, emphasised the impact of global partnerships in driving AI entrepreneurship. "Through such programmes, we aim to create new opportunities and provide fertile soil for startups’ rapid growth," AlJaziri said.

Meta's Commitment

Joelle Awwad, Head of Policy Programs for Africa, Middle East, and Turkiye at Meta, stated, "At Meta, we believe that the future of AI development lies in openness and collaboration. Our commitment to working closely with regional partners like Dubai Future Foundation reflects our dedication to building awareness and enhancing capacities within the ecosystem."

DFF's Strategic Role

DFF plays a crucial role in the business incubator programme as a strategic partner. The DFF provides sector-specific consultancy, leverages existing networks between public and private sectors to empower startups, offers open spaces for talent exploration, potential development, and capacity building.

This programme is part of Meta's regional initiative to leverage its open-source AI suite. It aims to foster innovative solutions and activate economic opportunities that contribute to inclusive economic growth in Dubai and the region.

Programme Structure

The programme covers five key sectors: energy, transportation, aviation, tourism, and retail. It includes four main stages: defining corporate design challenges that can be addressed using LLMs; engaging relevant AI startups; hosting these startups in a six-week journey at DFF focused on design thinking; and announcing AI-based innovative solutions.

The joint business incubator programme by Meta and DFF is based on the unique open-source "LLAMA 3" model. This model can be used to develop beneficial AI applications across various sectors.

Flexible Approach

The programme’s flexible approach in AI application development brings together different stakeholders. These include innovators, creative thinkers, technology entrepreneurs, and founders of emerging and global tech companies. The goal is to create exceptional solutions applicable on a global scale to enhance quality of life and multiply digital economy opportunities.

With inputs from WAM