United Arab Emirates – October 4, 2024 – La French Tech Abu Dhabi Dubai, a key player in the global network of 66 French Tech Communities outside France, recently held a business breakfast at the prestigious Fouquet’s Dubai to unveil its ambitious initiatives for the 2024-2025 season, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), deep tech, and sustainability.
The UAE’s startup ecosystem is rapidly evolving, particularly in the fields of AI and deep technology. This growth is significantly supported by government initiatives that provide various incentives, including tax breaks, streamlined regulations, and specialized free zones tailored to foster innovation and sustainability. The venture capital landscape is flourishing as well, with UAE-based startups making up a substantial portion of venture deals in the MENA region, further underscored by the emergence of unicorns and a doubling of VC investments since 2020. The UAE’s strategic location enhances its role as a gateway to Middle Eastern and global markets, offering startups access to a myriad of business opportunities.
With a newly elected Board committed to innovation, La French Tech Abu Dhabi Dubai is set to implement a roadmap focusing on:
- Fostering a vibrant local tech community centered around AI and deep tech advancements.
- Sharing knowledge and best practices in sustainability, ensuring that tech innovations contribute positively to the environment.
- Advocating for the French Tech ecosystem by highlighting cutting-edge developments in AI and sustainability.
- Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within tech initiatives.
Mr. Stephane Boukris, President of La French Tech Abu Dhabi Dubai, introduced the new Board and the annual roadmap in the presence of HE Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE, and Jean-Christophe Paris, Consul General of France in Dubai & Northern Emirates, along with regional leaders from Business France, CCI France UAE, and Bpifrance.
Following the French Ambassador’s opening remarks, Mr. Jeremy Doutté, Chief Business Officer of Talabat, delivered a keynote address focusing on the crucial role of AI and deep tech in transforming industries and enhancing sustainability efforts in the UAE.
In the upcoming year, La French Tech Abu Dhabi Dubai will host three flagship events emphasizing AI, deep tech, and sustainability:
- October: A Pitch & Meet event during GITEX North Star, enabling French startups to present their AI and deep tech solutions to key players in the UAE tech ecosystem.
- December: A conference on the Impact of AI on Sustainable Finance at La Sorbonne Abu Dhabi during Finance Week, discussing how AI can drive sustainable financial practices.
- February: A panel discussion on Quantum and AI as the Next Frontier, organized in Dubai during the Quantum Innovation Summit, focusing on the potential of these technologies to solve pressing global challenges.
The newly elected Board is dedicated to invigorating the local tech community and advancing the role of French technology in AI, deep tech, and sustainability on the global stage.
