Dubai Holding, a global investment company managing over AED 500 billion ($136b) in assets, is partnering with Microsoft to embed artificial intelligence across its entire operational framework. The move marks the first enterprise AI deployment of this scale in the Middle East and Africa, moving the conglomerate past isolated pilot programs into full, organisation-wide integration.
Quick Facts
- First enterprise-scale AI deployment in the region
- Integrates OpenAI and Anthropic models
- Impacts 45,000+ employees across its portfolio
From Pilots to Portfolio-Wide Integration
The collaboration signals a strategic shift from AI experimentation to embedding advanced technologies as a core operational capability. Dubai Holding will deploy AI agents to automate routine tasks and streamline workflows across its diverse sectors, including real estate, hospitality, retail, and entertainment. This is intended to create a more consistent, performance-driven operating model across its global holdings.
Employees group-wide will gain access to these AI tools through a unified interface, allowing for direct application in their daily tasks. The rollout will be supported by a structured training program, including workshops and practical use-case development, to ensure consistent adoption and effective use.
Amit Kaushal, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding, commented on the initiative, “Technology is central to how we operate and create value across the organisation. Our collaboration with Microsoft reflects a deliberate step in embedding artificial intelligence into our core operations, in line with Dubai’s broader digital transformation ambitions.”
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, added, “The next phase of artificial intelligence is defined by how organisations apply it at scale to drive productivity and long-term value. Our role is to support customers like Dubai Holding with the platforms and capabilities needed to integrate AI securely into their operations, while advancing responsible innovation that benefits employees, businesses and the broader economy.”
A Unified Multi-Model AI Environment
A key aspect of the deployment is the integration of multiple leading AI ecosystems, including models from OpenAI and Anthropic, within a single, secure operating environment. This multi-model approach provides Dubai Holding with access to a range of AI capabilities suited for different use cases, all managed within a governed infrastructure.
This partnership with Microsoft complements Dubai Holding’s existing AI ventures. The group already operates Aither, a joint venture established with US data analytics firm Palantir Technologies.
Aligning with Dubai’s National AI Ambitions
This large-scale AI adoption aligns directly with the UAE’s national digital transformation goals, including the UAE National AI Strategy 2031 and the Dubai AI Roadmap. By implementing AI at an enterprise level, Dubai Holding is actively contributing to the emirate’s goal of becoming a global hub for applied innovation and the responsible adoption of advanced technologies.
The UAE is already a leader in AI adoption. A Q1 2026 report from the Microsoft AI Economy Institute noted that 70.1% of the UAE’s working-age population uses generative AI tools, significantly ahead of other global tech hubs.
About Dubai Holding
Dubai Holding is a diversified global investment company with a portfolio of assets valued at over AED 500 billion ($136b). The group operates in more than 30 countries and employs over 45,000 people. Its portfolio spans ten sectors, including real estate, hospitality, retail, entertainment, investments, and community management. It manages 52 hotels, including the Jumeirah luxury brand, 56 malls, and serves 1.32 million residents across 54 master communities.
Source: Zawya
