By Staff Reporter
DUBAI — Dubai has launched a new global competition focused on the development of artificial intelligence agents, with a prize pool exceeding AED2.5 million.
The Create AI Agents Championship was announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, as part of Dubai’s drive to accelerate the adoption of agentic artificial intelligence and strengthen its position in the global digital economy.
The announcement was made as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honoured winners of the third edition of the Create Apps Championship at Emirates Towers Boulevard.
The new competition expands the initiative beyond conventional mobile applications, focusing on autonomous AI-agent systems designed to address real-world needs and respond to market demand.
Led by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the Create initiative has attracted 15,564 applications from 153 countries across its three editions, resulting in 1,700 prototypes and supporting the launch of more than 140 applications.
The latest edition alone attracted 9,754 applications.
The new AI Agents Championship is open globally to individuals, teams and existing businesses, with no minimum age requirement. However, fully commercialised solutions are not eligible to compete.
Participants will compete across four categories: Best Societal AI Agent, Best Personal AI Agent, Best Business AI Agent and Best Youth AI Agent.
The Youth category is open to participants under the age of 21 at the time of registration.
Winners in each category will receive AED550,000, while one of the four category winners will be named AI Agent of the Year and receive an additional AED1 million.
The championship will begin with three introductory workshops, followed by the opening of the Digital Academy in November. Registration will close in December 2026.
Participants will be required to submit a prototype, pitch deck and demonstration video as part of their applications.
Meanwhile, among the winners of the third Create Apps Championship, POP by Kwelio was named Longevity App of the Year and Dubai’s App of the Year.
Finalists and semi-finalists from the competition will also receive direct access to Oraseya Capital’s Launchpad, a six-month programme designed to support early-stage startups.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
