Sheikh Hamdan launches Dh2.5-million AI agents challenge for innovators globally

Artificial intelligence enthusiasts, innovators, entrepreneurs and technology developers from around the world can now compete for prizes worth more than Dh2.5 million through Dubai’s new Create AI Agents Championship.

Launched by Dubai’s Crown Prince, the global challenge aims to encourage participants to develop practical AI-powered assistants that can address real-world problems and create value for users, businesses and communities.

The competition moves beyond traditional digital application development by focusing on independent AI-assisted systems designed for real-world applications and markets.

Who Can Participate in the AI Challenge?

The competition is open to innovators from around the world, including both technical and non-technical participants.

There is no minimum age requirement, allowing individuals and teams to participate with:

• Innovative AI ideas

• Working prototypes

• Early-stage products

• New AI solutions developed by existing companies

However, solutions that have already been fully launched and commercially marketed will not be eligible.

The broad participation criteria are intended to encourage a wide range of ideas and innovative AI solutions.

Four Categories for AI Agents

Participants will compete across four main categories, each focusing on a different area where AI assistants can create an impact.

Best Societal AI Agent

This category focuses on solutions that create a positive impact on society.

Participants can develop AI agents aimed at supporting areas such as:

Social cohesion and inclusion
Education
Sustainability
Social resilience

Best Personal AI Agent

The personal category focuses on using AI to improve everyday life and individual decision-making.

Solutions can address areas including:
Productivity
Health and wellbeing
Daily activities
Personal decision-making

Best Business AI Agent

This category is designed for AI solutions that help public and private sector organisations improve their operations.

Eligible solutions can focus on:

Workflow improvements
Customer experience
Decision-making
Public and private sector services

Best Youth AI Agent

The youth category is specifically designed for participants aged 21 or below.

For team entries, the team must be led by a young participant, while the main applicant must be under 21 at the time of registration.

Dh2.5 Million Prize Pool

The championship offers major financial support to help winners continue developing their AI solutions.

The winner of each of the four categories will receive a Dh550,000 grant to further develop their AI assistant and expand their project.

One of the four category winners will also receive the top honour of AI Agent of the Year, along with an additional prize of Dh1 million.

This takes the overall value of the prizes to more than Dh2.5 million.

Workshops and Training for Participants

The championship will also provide participants with learning and development opportunities throughout the competition.

Three introductory workshops focused on AI assistance will be held as part of the programme.

In November, the Digital Academy will open, offering:

Four advanced training courses
Four practical workshops
Mentoring sessions
Self-learning resources
Specialised training sessions

Participants will also have access to expert guidance to help them develop their ideas, assess their potential and prepare their final presentations.

Registration Open Until December 2026

Registration for the championship has opened, with innovators, entrepreneurs, students and technology developers from around the world invited to participate.

Participants will have until December 2026 to complete the competition requirements, including developing their prototype and preparing a presentation and demonstration video.

The programme is designed to help participants move from an initial idea to a practical AI solution with the potential to become a scalable product, service or project.