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Dubai launches Dh2.5m AI agents competition for global innovators
Challenge invites developers worldwide to build autonomous systems addressing real-world problems with commercial potential.
Dubai opened registration for the Create AI Agents Championship on 7 October 2026, offering total prizes exceeding Dh2.5 million for developers building autonomous AI systems. The competition invites participants to identify priority problems, design AI-assisted solutions, test their impact and explore commercial viability. Registration is open to individuals and teams globally, regardless of technical background or age, and accepts entries ranging from initial ideas to early-stage prototypes. Existing companies may submit new AI capabilities, though fully launched commercial products are excluded.
Four competition categories with Dh550,000 grants#
Participants compete across four categories: Best Societal AI Agent, focusing on social cohesion, education and sustainability; Best Personal AI Agent, addressing daily productivity, health and decision-making; Best Business AI Agent, improving workflows and customer experience in public and private organisations; and Best Youth AI Agent, restricted to developers aged 21 or under at registration. Each category winner receives Dh550,000 to continue developing their solution. One of the four winners will be named AI Agent of the Year and receive an additional Dh450,000, bringing that winner's total prize to Dh1 million.
Training programme runs through November#
The organisers will conduct three introductory workshops on AI assistance following the registration launch. In November 2026, the Digital Academy opens with four advanced training courses, four applied workshops and mentoring sessions for participants. The academy is designed to support entrants in developing their prototypes and preparing presentations. Registration closes in December 2026, with participants required to submit a working prototype, presentation materials and demonstration by that deadline.
Competition shifts focus to autonomous systems#
The challenge represents a shift from digital application development to autonomous systems built on assistive AI for real users and markets. Solutions must address actual needs rather than theoretical use cases, and entries are evaluated on their potential to scale as commercial products or services. The competition structure allows both specialists and non-specialists to participate, with team entries permitted provided the main applicant meets category requirements. For the Youth category, teams must be led by someone under 21, with that individual registered as the primary participant.
Sources1 source across 1 domain
- khaleejtimes.comKhaleej TimesCompetition launch date, prize amounts, category structure, eligibility requirements, training programme schedule and registration deadline
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