Mr Al Gurg, Dubai does not only aim to be a global trading and banking centre, but also a hub for innovation. What has the Gulf metropolis achieved in this regard in 2025?

Dubai has further strengthened its position as one of the world’s most innovative cities. The Smart City Index of the IMD World Competitiveness Centre ranks the city 4th globally and notes improvements in 16 out of 20 technology indicators. Dubai also received high satisfaction scores in healthcare, transport and digital business services – clear evidence of a strong technological environment for companies.

In addition, significant progress is visible at a broader level: the Global Innovation Index of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) ranks the UAE 30th among 139 economies and 14th in innovation inputs.

In which areas do you still see potential?

Dubai has built a powerful innovation ecosystem. The city offers first-class digital infrastructure, smart mobility solutions, transparent governance, and a supportive network for entrepreneurs and investors. According to the IMD Competitiveness Report, residents and companies benefit from seamless services, fast connectivity, and clear regulatory frameworks – ideal conditions for growth.

«Dubai does not see other cities as rivals but as partners in a rapidly evolving global landscape.»

At the same time, there is potential to translate innovation more effectively into market-ready business models, global patents, and internationally competitive local companies.

Who are Dubai’s closest rivals in AI, Web3 and related fields?

Dubai does not see other cities as rivals but as partners in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Cities like Singapore, San Francisco and Seoul play leading roles in adopting AI, and other regions are progressing strongly in the Web3 space (the decentralised, blockchain-based internet for digital assets, editor’s note).

However, the emirate’s goal is not to catch up but to lead – through strong policy frameworks, progressive regulation, partnerships, and an open environment for new ideas. Dubai seeks to set standards rather than simply follow trends.

Where do you see Dubai’s neo-sectors in five years?

In five years, many of today’s emerging sectors will play a central role in Dubai’s economy. AI-powered logistics and aviation will be widespread, while Web3 and blockchain will move from pilot projects to real-world applications in supply chains, identity solutions and tokenised assets.

Space technologies and satellite services will be more established. Digital health and biotechnology will continue to grow, and autonomous mobility as well as drone technology will become part of everyday life. These developments are guided by national strategies such as the UAE Centennial 2071.

How do you «pick» the most promising companies as an investor?

We follow a combination of intuition and structured processes. First, we look at the people behind the company: leadership, vision and strategy.

«To us, talent is not only about skill but also about mindset.»

Then we evaluate scalability, cultural fit and regional value creation. Afterwards, we conduct comprehensive due diligence, cultural onboarding processes and often a proof of concept. Our Executive Committee assesses the technology, the team and the long-term impact before making a decision.

What have been your most successful ventures so far?

All our agreements are important, but three stand out in particular:

• Gennius XYZ, where I am Chairman of the Board, marked a milestone with the launch of the Gennius Global Hub and new solutions.
• Vital Holding has been a key partner for advisory, access to capital and regulatory expertise in the UAE, the GCC region and now also in Riyadh.
• Intent HQ recently received the award for «Best AI Ethics & Diversity Strategy» at the AI World Series Awards 2025.

These partnerships reflect our focus on innovation and sustainable development – aligned with the long-term vision of the UAE.

Multi-entrepreneurs cannot execute and control everything themselves; they must delegate. How do you find top talent that fits your team?

We try to spot people with flexibility, cultural intelligence and a deep understanding of regional markets. In addition to technical expertise, we value discipline, collaboration and shared values. To us, talent is not only about skill but also about mindset – the ability to respect local values, adapt quickly and contribute to the success of the entire team.

Remote work or office – where does Seed Group stand?

In my opinion, the office offers crucial advantages for building relationships, mentoring, cultural understanding and internalising the company’s identity – especially in fast-growing companies. Of course, certain specialist roles require flexibility. However, physical presence is essential during key phases of market expansion into the Middle East.

Which new jobs will emerge thanks to AI?

AI will profoundly transform the labour market. New roles will emerge, including AI ethics and governance officers, MLOps engineers focused on regional data standards, or digital twin architects for smart city models. Specialists in autonomous systems and smart infrastructure will also be in high demand. These roles demonstrate how AI is becoming a central pillar of the region’s evolving innovation ecosystem.

Which neo-sectors will create attractive jobs for Emiratis?

New technologies open exciting career paths for Emiratis. Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics create roles such as machine-learning engineers, AI ethics officers or data strategists. Green energy and sustainability technologies offer opportunities in carbon tech, renewable energies and project management. Digital health and biotechnology drive careers in health data, genomics and telemedicine.

Further growth sectors are emerging in logistics, drone technology, autonomous systems, agri-tech and space technology – all aligned with the UAE’s vision for diversification and knowledge-based development.

Hisham Al Gurg is the Chief Executive Officer of the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum as well as the SEED Group. In this role, he oversees global investment strategy, international ventures and high-impact strategic partnerships. With more than three decades of experience in the Gulf region and international markets, he is regarded as a visionary leader with strong strategic foresight and the ability to drive transformative growth across industries.