As of May 15, 2025, a total of 325 companies licensed in Dubai have applied for the city’s newly launched “Dubai AI Seal” certification. This certification programme aims to standardize trust, transparency, and accountability in artificial intelligence applications across various industries.

The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) introduced the certification, which is available to all local and international companies operating in the emirate that utilize or provide AI-based services. The application process is voluntary and free of charge, with submissions made online.

The AI Seal categorizes applicants into different certification tiers and assigns a serial number to each successful recipient. Although the certification is not currently mandatory, it is anticipated that it will become a requirement for future participation in government-led AI projects in Dubai.

Companies from diverse sectors, including health, media, software, and real estate, have already received certification, with 77 international offices among the applicants. Initial awardees include both multinational firms and regional startups.

The programme was prominently featured during Dubai AI Week, where officials met with representatives from the first batch of certified entities. Among these, e& and IBM were awarded the highest-tier classification, referred to as “Tier S.”

Key details about the Dubai AI Seal programme include its open eligibility to companies licensed in Dubai that use AI in their products or services. Applications can be submitted for free through the website www.dub.ai/ai-seal.

Certification benefits include a serial number, tier classification, and eligibility for future public-sector AI collaborations. The primary objective of this initiative is to establish a vetted ecosystem of companies that align with Dubai’s responsible AI development goals.

This initiative comes at a time when regulatory clarity and public trust in AI technologies are increasingly recognized as crucial for innovation and user protection in rapidly evolving digital economies. While there are no direct financial incentives linked to the certification, DCAI officials noted that it may serve as a reference point for future partnerships, funding, and project selection within Dubai’s AI ecosystem.