I’m building an AI startup
Shape the right activity, company structure and workspace around your product from day one.
- AI Licence eligibility review
- Founder-ready coworking
- Clear application pathway
Dubai AI Campus at DIFC
Set up your AI company at Dubai AI Campus in DIFC
Establish your Artificial Intelligence business within a specialised DIFC ecosystem that brings together licensing, workspace, innovation programmes and a connected technology community.
- AI-focused ecosystem
- DIFC business environment
- Flexible workspaces
- Regional market access
Licence feeUSD 1,500per year*
Flexible desk / coworkingUSD 500per month + VAT*
Located inDIFC, Dubaiconnected to MEASA
Find your starting point
Is Dubai AI Campus right for your business?
It may be the right pathway if you are building an AI product, AI-enabled software, machine-learning platform, generative AI solution, automation tool, analytics product or research-led venture.
I’m growing an AI team
Move from early traction to a credible operating base with room for talent, partnerships and growth.
- Flexible workspace options
- Innovation programmes
- Investor and ecosystem access
I’m entering the region
Build a UAE presence designed to reach customers across the GCC and wider MEASA markets.
- Regional market base
- DIFC business environment
- Connected technology community
The campus advantage
More than a licence.
An environment built to accelerate.
Combine your business setup with a location, community and innovation infrastructure designed around ambitious technology companies.
Specialist AI pathway
A focused commercial licence route for eligible AI and emerging-technology firms.
Workspace that flexes
Premium coworking and workspace options shaped around founders, teams and growth.
Connected ecosystem
Proximity to founders, mentors, investors, financial institutions and potential partners.
Regional launch point
A Dubai base designed to help serve UAE, GCC and wider regional markets.
Life at the campus
Where AI ambition meets market momentum
The real value is the environment around your company: collaborative workspace, innovation programmes, R&D infrastructure and proximity to organisations shaping the region.
Community
Build alongside ambitious AI founders
Market access
Turn technology into regional opportunity
Location
Operate from a globally connected district
Dubai to the world
Build here.
Scale across MEASA.
Position your AI company in a city connecting high-growth regional markets, global talent and financial decision-makers.
Your setup journey
How to set up an AI company in DIFC
A clear sequence keeps the application focused and prevents avoidable delays. Your exact requirements will depend on the activity, structure and shareholders.
Share your AI model
Tell us about your product, customers, business model and expansion goals.
→
Confirm the activity
Assess whether the AI Licence and proposed activities fit the business.
→
Choose your setup
Select the company structure and workspace that match your operating needs.
→
Prepare documents
Organise the required company, shareholder and application information.
→
Complete registration
Progress licensing, registration, visa and operational requirements.
→
Launch and connect
Begin operating and activate relevant ecosystem and innovation support.
→
Potential Google Cloud startup support
Could your AI startup qualify for cloud credits?
Eligible AI startups within the Dubai AI Campus ecosystem may be able to apply to the Google for Startups Cloud Program. The programme can help suitable founders develop, test and scale cloud-based AI products.
USD 350KUp to this maximum potential over two years for qualifying AI-first startups. Google Cloud approval is required.
From Dubai AI Campus setup to programme assessment
A simple view of the preparation and application journey. Each stage remains subject to the relevant DIFC and Google Cloud requirements.
Campus setup
Establish the company within the Dubai AI Campus ecosystem.
AI Licence
Obtain the appropriate licence for the approved activities.
Product or MVP
Build a genuine AI-led product and working business model.
Cloud account
Create the Google Cloud account and billing profile.
Application details
Prepare the Billing ID, domain and matching business email.
Programme application
Submit the startup information for consideration.
Google assessment
Google Cloud reviews the startup against its current criteria.
Potential credits
Approved credits are activated according to Google Cloud terms.
Important
Google Cloud credits are not guaranteed and are not automatically included with a Dubai AI Campus licence. Availability, eligibility, approval, credit value and duration are determined solely by Google Cloud. Neither A&A Associate nor DIFC controls Google Cloud’s decision or the amount awarded.
AI Licence
A focused route into the DIFC ecosystem
USD 1,500 / year*
Client-approved licence fee for eligible firms. Confirm current eligibility, inclusions and commercial terms before applying.
Current proposition includes
- AI Licence fee: USD 1,500 per year*
- Flexible Desk / Co-working Space: USD 500 per month + VAT*
- Specialist AI licensing pathway
- Workspace and visa planning based on your team
- Innovation and ecosystem connections
Common questions
What founders ask before applying
Use these answers as a practical starting point. A tailored assessment is still important because company activities and structures differ.
What is Dubai AI Campus?
Dubai AI Campus is a specialised AI and emerging-technology ecosystem within DIFC. It combines a business setup pathway with workspace, innovation programmes and access to a connected technology community.
How much does the DIFC AI Licence cost?
The licence fee is USD 1,500 per year for eligible firms. Flexible Desk / Co-working Space is USD 500 per month plus VAT. Confirm current eligibility, inclusions and commercial terms before applying.
Who can apply for an AI Licence?
The pathway may suit AI and machine-learning startups, generative AI and AI SaaS businesses, analytics and automation companies, R&D ventures and international AI companies establishing a regional presence. Approval depends on the proposed activity and business model.
Is coworking space available?
Yes. Flexible Desk / Co-working Space is available at USD 500 per month plus VAT, subject to availability and current commercial terms. The most suitable workspace will depend on team size, visa requirements and operating plans.
Can an international founder establish in Dubai?
International founders and companies can explore a DIFC setup. The recommended structure and documentation will depend on the shareholders, planned activities and regional operating model.
How long does setup take?
Timing varies with the activity, ownership structure, document readiness and any required review. An early eligibility assessment helps surface requirements and create a realistic setup plan.
Start with clarity
Is your AI business a fit?
Share your product, proposed activity and Dubai expansion plans with our business setup team. We’ll help you understand the appropriate licence and next step.