In brief
Dubai Chambers announced a new Agentic AI category as part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award to honor Dubai‑based firms that deploy autonomous AI for measurable performance gains. The category will assess talent readiness, implementation, cybersecurity alignment, and tangible improvements, judged by an independent panel. The initiative reflects Dubai’s strategy to accelerate responsible AI adoption across the private sector.
On 1 November 2026, Dubai Chambers announced the launch of a new *Agentic AI* category within the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award, aimed at recognizing private‑sector companies in Dubai that successfully integrate autonomous artificial intelligence to drive measurable business outcomes.
*Agentic AI*, a term that refers to AI systems capable of making autonomous decisions and taking actions in real time, has been identified as a key driver for productivity, workflow transformation, and competitive advantage. By establishing a dedicated award, Dubai Chambers seeks to highlight companies that not only adopt the technology but also translate its capacity for self‑directed action into tangible improvements in efficiency, decision‑making and revenue generation.
Assessment Framework and Evaluation Criteria
The new category will evaluate firms across all business sectors on four principal criteria. First, talent readiness looks at the organization’s skill mix, training initiatives, and talent acquisition strategies to support Agentic AI projects. Second, implementation considers the architectural design, integration with existing systems, and operational sustainability of the AI solution. Third, cybersecurity alignment reviews whether the company’s security protocols, data governance, and compliance frameworks protect the autonomous system against misuse or data breaches. Fourth, measurable performance gains demand evidence of concrete business metrics—such as cost reduction, productivity uplift, revenue growth, or customer engagement—that the Agentic AI initiative has achieved.
The assessment is carried out by an independent expert panel composed of academics and industry leaders, ensuring transparency and technical rigor. Each nominated company must submit a detailed case study, technical documentation, and performance data, which the panel reviews to determine the award winners. The winners will be announced at the annual ceremony hosted by Dubai Chambers, which also serves as a showcase for best practices and a networking platform for the private‑sector AI community.
The initiative is part of Dubai’s broader Agentic AI transformation programme, overseen by Dubai Chambers in line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. The programme’s objective is to accelerate the practical adoption of Agentic AI across the business community, enabling companies to enhance administrative and operational processes, improve efficiency and productivity, and strengthen decision‑making. By embedding the award within this framework, Dubai Chambers encourages a culture of responsible innovation and showcases successful experiences that can inspire other firms.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, emphasized the strategic importance of the award.
“Agentic AI is a key driver of business competitiveness, innovation, and growth. We are committed to enabling the private sector to adopt these technologies responsibly and effectively to enhance productivity, transform business models, and create sustainable economic value.”
He added, “The Agentic AI category aims to recognise companies that demonstrate excellence in applying these technologies and translating their potential into tangible business results. By showcasing their achievements, we seek to inspire the wider business community and encourage more companies to develop innovative applications.”
The introduction of the Agentic AI category signals a decisive step toward embedding autonomous AI in the GDP‑base of Dubai. By recognizing and rewarding measurable impact, the award mobilizes investment, talent development, and cross‑sector collaboration. Firms that win will gain prestige, market visibility, and potential access to government‑backed accelerators and funding programs that further support AI deployment.
Going forward, Dubai Chambers will monitor the performance of award recipients and publish annual reports detailing best practices, success stories, and lessons learned. This data will feed into the region’s AI readiness assessment and inform policy adjustments, ensuring that the private sector remains a leading pillar in the city’s vision for a technologically luminous, economically resilient future.
