In a display of leadership as inspiring as it is visionary, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, once again reaffirmed his role as the dynamic force behind the Emirate’s soaring success on the global innovation stage at the second edition of the Dubai AI Festival.

Held on April 23–24, as part of Dubai AI Week, the festival welcomed more than 10,000 global innovators, 500+ investors, and delegates from over 100 nations. Yet, it was the Crown Prince’s captivating appearance that truly set the tone, offering an insight into Dubai’s bold AI-driven future.

“Dubai AI Festival stands as a testament to our vision of positioning Dubai as a global leader in artificial intelligence innovation,” said Sheikh Hamdan. “Our commitment goes beyond technology—it is about empowering people, inspiring progress, and designing a future without limits.”

His words weren’t just uplifting—they were a plan for transformation. With an unshakable belief in the boundless potential of AI, the Crown Prince reminded the world that Dubai is not merely adapting to change—it is defining it.

An Inspirational Tour Led by a Visionary Leader

Sheikh Hamdan began his tour at the Dubai AI Campus pavilion, immersing himself in the most advanced AI solutions and initiatives that define Dubai’s innovation system. His genuine interest, curiosity, and support of local and global talent were evident as he engaged with experts and entrepreneurs alike.

At the Google Cloud workshop, His Highness explored how generative AI is empowering start-ups—a testament to his forward-thinking focus on nurturing the next generation of innovators.

Continuing his visit, he explored the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF) pavilion, which spotlighted China’s cutting-edge start-ups. His appreciation for cross-cultural collaboration and investment opportunities demonstrated his unique ability to bridge continents through innovation. He also visited the South Korea pavilion, where he was introduced to the spirit and sophistication of Korean AI advancement, again highlighting his dedication to global partnerships.

A Prince Among Visionaries

Later, inside the main plenary hall, Sheikh Hamdan joined some of the world’s most prominent thought leaders to participate in a compelling session titled “AI for All.” Here, the conversation focused on inclusivity, access, and empowering AI—a belief Sheikh Hamdan has championed passionately. His involvement added dignity to the conversation, showing that in Dubai, leadership leads from the front.

With over 800 AI companies now calling Dubai home—66% of which have chosen it as their global headquarters—the Emirate is no longer just participating in the AI revolution. It’s leading it.

The Dubai AI Festival was not only a historic event—it was a celebration of leadership. Leadership that is fearless, future-facing, and forever committed to building a world where intelligence and imagination know no limits.

In a rare and meaningful gathering, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, hosted H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. The meeting was more than just a formal exchange; it symbolized the strong bonds of leadership and friendship between the leaders of the Emirates.

The atmosphere was warm and filled with mutual respect as they engaged in friendly conversation, sharing ideas on the UAE’s future. They touched on critical national issues, particularly those that directly affect the well-being of the people. Their focus was on enhancing the quality of life for all citizens, a goal that remains central to the UAE’s leadership vision.

This meeting emphasized the shared commitment to fostering a community where progress and welfare go hand in hand. It was a reminder that, at the heart of every policy, initiative, and development project in the UAE, there lies a deep-rooted desire to make life better for every citizen. Their collaboration continues to shape a dynamic, forward-thinking nation where leadership thrives on unity and vision.

In this moment, the true spirit of the UAE was on full display—a country where leaders, united in purpose, work tirelessly for the prosperity and happiness of their people.

In a world where innovation often starts in labs and boardrooms, one Emirati woman found her inspiration in something far more humble: the discarded kernel of a date. What many saw as waste, Noura Saleh Nasir Al-Mazroui saw as a missed opportunity—a “hidden treasure” ripe with potential. Today, her groundbreaking project is not only transforming the UAE’s most iconic fruit into health-boosting superfoods but is also attracting attention across the region for its sustainability and creativity.

“Today, we are proud to celebrate a daughter of the Emirates whose vision and innovation reflect the UAE’s values of sustainability, excellence, and heritage preservation,” said Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayad. “Her project is a shining example of how challenges can be turned into opportunities that serve both our society and national goals.”

Describing her project as a milestone in local innovation, he commended Al-Mazroui’s unique approach of blending heritage conservation with forward-thinking food science. “This creative endeavor demonstrates how our sons and daughters can transform challenges into real opportunities,” he added, affirming the leadership’s full support for initiatives that support the UAE’s identity and global reputation in food innovation and sustainable development.

Turning Waste into Wellness

Al-Mazroui’s journey began with a simple visit to a factory. There, she noticed the kernels of dates being discarded as industrial waste. Where others saw refuse, she envisioned a product that could nourish, heal, and inspire. Through determination and relentless experimentation, she succeeded in developing a series of health-focused food products made from date seed flour—ranging from gluten-free noodles and pastries to alternative rice.

The process itself is a model of sustainability: kernels are collected, sorted, washed, sterilized, and ground without the use of any chemicals. The resulting flour is then blended with other nutritious, allergy-friendly flours like seed flour—making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs, including those with gluten intolerance.

Al-Mazroui remains humble about her achievement, saying: “What I have offered is something simple for the UAE. My goal is to see this product, born in the Al-Dhafra region, reach the entire world.”

Her work not only reimagines food innovation from local resources but also strengthens the UAE’s identity as a global leader in sustainability. Both Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayad have confirmed the full support of the UAE’s leadership for projects like Al Mazroul’s—initiatives that intertwine heritage, innovation, and national pride.

With visionaries like Noura Al-Mazroui leading the way, the UAE is not just preserving its heritage—it is transforming it into a beacon of innovation for the world to see.