Dubai Finance Calls on Government Entities to Contract AI-Certified Suppliers

The Dubai Finance (DOF) has urged government entities to restrict AI-related service and consultancy contracts to companies certified with the Dubai AI Seal, launched by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) under the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF). The instruction follows the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation.

This directive supports the Dubai Government’s implementation of the Trusted AI Companies Classification Initiative, which aims to build confidence in AI-driven solutions and ensure their use meets the highest standards of transparency and governance, in line with Dubai’s vision to become the world’s leading city in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence.

His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of DOF, stated: “Urging government entities to contract only with suppliers holding Dubai AI Seal for AI-based services and consultancies, reflects the department’s commitment to aligning public spending policies with Dubai’s future directions, and to promoting the responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence.

“Requiring Dubai AI Seal certification demonstrates the Dubai Government’s dedication to ensuring the quality and reliability of technical solutions used in its operations, while directing public spending toward entities that uphold the highest standards of efficiency, governance, and innovation,” H.E. Al Saleh added. “AI today is a vital component of Dubai’s smart spending system. We are working to expand its role in enhancing government financial performance, achieving economic sustainability, and advancing Dubai’s future vision.”

His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of the DFF, said: “The Dubai AI Seal initiative to classify and certify trusted AI companies marks a pivotal step toward building a more secure and transparent digital ecosystem, while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for the development and adoption of responsible AI technologies. Cooperation with DOF in implementing this initiative across government entities helps ensure that the smart solutions adopted in government operations meet the highest standards of quality, security, and technical governance.

“This cooperation reflects the leadership’s vision to accelerate future technologies, harness AI for public good, and enhance quality of life through safe, sustainable digital innovation,” H.E. Belhoul added.

DOF confirmed that this procedure aligns with Law No. (12) of 2020 concerning contracts and warehouse management within the Dubai Government, specifically Article (15), which mandates that government contracts be awarded exclusively to companies licensed and registered in the UAE and authorised to deliver the required goods and services.

The Department further clarified that all government entities must inform consulting firms and service providers specialising in AI technologies of the requirement to obtain the AI Seal certification, which is available free of charge to all technology companies licensed to operate in Dubai and engaged in AI-related services or applications. It can be obtained via the official portal: www.dub.ai/en/ai-seal.

All technology companies licensed in Dubai that provide AI-related products or services are invited to apply free of charge. Applications will be evaluated based on six key areas: the nature of the companies’ activities and services, the number of employees specialising in AI, current and future projects, and partnerships within the public and private sectors.

This step reflects the ongoing collaboration between DOF and DCAI to strengthen governance around the use of AI technologies in government operations. It ensures that procurement and contracting practices are aligned with the Dubai Government’s strategic vision for sustainable smart transformation and the advancement of a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.