Dubai Chamber and Alibaba Cloud Advance Agentic AI
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Alibaba Cloud to accelerate the adoption of agentic artificial intelligence (AI) across Dubai’s private sector.
Announced on November 3, 2026, the agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in AI training, startup development and enterprise technology deployment. It also aims to help Dubai-based businesses access specialised AI technologies, technical expertise, and computing resources.
The agreement was signed during the Dubai Business Forum – China in Shenzhen. Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, signed on behalf of Dubai Chambers, while Dr. Feifei Li, Chief Technology Officer and President of International Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, represented Alibaba Cloud.
Three Areas of Cooperation to Advance Agentic AI
The partnership focuses on three areas designed to support businesses at different stages of AI adoption.
1. AI Training and Skills Development
Through Dubai Chambers Academy, the partnership will provide businesses with access to specialised agentic AI training programmes. These will include technical workshops, professional certifications, expert-led sessions and educational resources.
Additionally, the collaboration will introduce train-the-trainer programmes. These initiatives will help companies develop internal expertise and prepare employees to integrate AI agents into their daily operations.
2. Startup Support and Technology Resources
The agreement will also support startups developing agentic AI solutions. Alibaba Cloud will provide technical mentorship, technology credits, computing resources and software licences.
Selected startups will also gain access to Alibaba Cloud’s programmes and business network. These resources aim to reduce barriers to technology development and help emerging companies build and scale AI applications.
3. Enterprise Testing and Deployment
For established businesses, the partnership will explore opportunities to test and deploy agentic AI solutions. Both organisations will provide technical guidance and implementation expertise to support enterprise adoption.
The collaboration will also explore opportunities to showcase successful applications through Alibaba Cloud Marketplace. The platform connects cloud users with independent software providers, allowing businesses to discover, test, purchase and deploy third-party applications.
The two organisations will also develop case studies to evaluate the commercial value and business impact of agentic AI implementations.
Supporting Dubai’s Private Sector AI Transition
The agreement supports an initiative launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, to accelerate agentic AI adoption across the private sector.
Dubai Chambers oversees the programme, which aims to equip 14,000 member companies with the skills required to integrate AI technologies into their administrative and operational activities.
As part of this effort, Dubai Chambers has introduced specialised agentic AI training tracks through its business groups and councils. Consequently, the Alibaba Cloud partnership adds international technology expertise and practical resources to the programme.
Saeed Al Gergawi said international partnerships would expand access to specialised technologies and expertise. He added that the collaboration would help Dubai-based businesses improve operations, develop innovative solutions and explore new business models.
Meanwhile, Eric Wan, General Manager for the Middle East, Turkey and Central Asia at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, highlighted the shift of agentic AI from experimentation to everyday business applications.
Alibaba Cloud has served private companies and public institutions in the UAE since 2016. It has also established two data centres in the country to support its regional cloud computing operations.
Through this agreement, the company will extend its training, infrastructure and startup support capabilities to Dubai’s business community.
The partnership also aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to strengthen the emirate’s position as a leading global digital economy.
As businesses increasingly explore autonomous AI systems, the collaboration aims to provide the skills, infrastructure and technical support required for wider adoption.
