Dubai Chambers has launched specialised training programmes to help 14,000 companies adopt agentic artificial intelligence (AI) across administrative and operational functions, as the emirate steps up efforts to strengthen private sector productivity, innovation and competitiveness.
Business leaders from groups and councils operating under Dubai Chamber of Commerce have welcomed the initiative, saying it could help companies prepare for technological change, improve decision-making and identify practical applications for AI in their operations.
The wider programme to transition Dubai’s private sector towards agentic AI was launched under the direction of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The training tracks aim to help businesses move beyond using data primarily for information and apply it to make faster, more accurate decisions. They cover agentic AI concepts, practical business applications, available tools and best practices for improving administrative and operational processes.
According to Dubai Chambers, the programme is also designed to improve productivity and customer experience while enabling employees to focus on higher-value work and innovation.
Business leaders highlight skills and implementation challenges
Milenko Bujandric, Chairman of the Serbian Business Council, said agentic AI could help companies deliver goods and services faster, at lower costs and to higher standards. However, he noted that businesses need guidance to determine where the technology can be implemented and assess the potential returns on investment.
Training, he said, should help decision-makers understand the technology's applications and address concerns about investment risks as AI capabilities continue to evolve.
Evelien Johnston, Board Member of the New Zealand Business Council, highlighted the importance of involving employees in AI adoption. She said building awareness and knowledge across teams would be essential to integrating the technology into business operations.
Shashi Shekhar, Chairman of the Supply Chain and Logistics Business Group, also emphasised training as a first step towards broader adoption, noting its potential to improve quality and productivity across the sector.
Companies explore practical applications of agentic AI
Business representatives pointed to applications ranging from data management and workflow automation to operational decision-making.
Dr Palat Krishna Menon, Board Member of the Dubai MedTech Business Group, said his company uses agentic AI and generative AI to develop standard operating procedures and protocols, keep data updated and respond to client enquiries more quickly.
Dr Mohammed Jawad, Chairman of the Medical Labs and Diagnostics Centres Business Group, said the programme could help businesses identify practical ways to deploy agentic AI, automate processes and streamline workflows.
He added that the technology could enable employees to concentrate on higher-value activities while supporting productivity and innovation.
Omar Khaled Hamaoui, Chairman of the Brazilian Business Council UAE, said developing and using customised agentic AI solutions could improve business performance, quality, growth and competitiveness. He also highlighted the opportunity for management teams to reassess existing systems and procedures.
In construction, Stuart Clarke, Chairman of the Dubai Construction Industry Business Group, said bringing businesses from different sectors together through Dubai Chambers could facilitate knowledge-sharing on how companies are implementing emerging technologies.
Wider programme to support AI companies
Beyond training, Dubai's private sector agentic AI programme includes plans to establish incubators for agentic AI companies, support businesses developing and deploying AI solutions, and promote knowledge-sharing and institutional capacity-building across the Dubai Chambers ecosystem.
Nabeel Saad Alkharabsheh, Chairman of the Postal and Courier Services Business Group, encouraged businesses to engage with Dubai Chambers' initiatives to explore emerging technologies and learn from other industries.
Mohammad Ayyob, Chairman of the Dubai Business Group for Bullion and Gold Refinery, also welcomed the programme, highlighting the chamber's role in sharing knowledge with industry representatives and the wider business community.
The initiative comes as Dubai seeks to expand the use of AI across private sector organisations. Its implementation will depend on businesses identifying suitable use cases, developing employee capabilities and integrating AI tools into existing workflows.
The programme's stated target of reaching 14,000 companies places workforce training and practical implementation at the centre of Dubai's efforts to accelerate agentic AI adoption across its business ecosystem.