Dubai Future Foundation has selected 20 international contestants for the AI Grandmaster Challenge on November 18, 2026. Competing for AED 1 million, participants will tackle real-time artificial intelligence tasks involving multimedia creation, intelligent applications and AI assistants, with Google Cloud supporting the competition during Dubai Future Week.
DUBAI: Twenty contestants from around the world will compete for an AED 1 million prize in the AI Grandmaster Challenge, as Dubai prepares to host a major competition testing artificial intelligence skills, creativity and innovation under pressure.
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) announced the selection of the finalists on November 9, 2026, ahead of the competition on November 18 at The Challenge Dome, Emirates Towers.
The event forms part of Dubai Future Week, running from November 18 to 21, 2026, across Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future.
How will contestants compete for AED 1 million?
Participants will face increasingly difficult challenges designed to demonstrate their ability to use artificial intelligence in practical situations.
Tasks will include producing multimedia content, developing intelligent applications and building AI-powered assistant experiences.
Each round will test contestants’ creativity, technical knowledge and ability to deliver results within strict time limits.
Only the strongest performers will advance through successive rounds, with the eventual winner receiving the AI Grandmaster title and AED 1 million.
Google Cloud joins as technology partner
Google Cloud will support the competition as its technology partner, enabling contestants to demonstrate their capabilities using advanced AI tools.
A judging panel comprising artificial intelligence specialists and Google Cloud experts will evaluate participants on creativity, technical execution, adaptability and the quality of their solutions.
The judges will also assess how effectively contestants use AI under pressure to solve complex challenges.
Dubai aims to develop global AI talent
Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, said the competition provides an opportunity to highlight emerging talent and expertise in artificial intelligence.
“The AI Grandmaster Challenge provides an important opportunity to showcase outstanding skills, expertise and emerging talent in artificial intelligence,” he said.
The competition builds on its 2025 edition, which attracted more than 3,800 applications from 125 countries.
Organisers hope to strengthen international collaboration, encourage AI innovation and create opportunities for talented individuals to develop practical technological solutions.
Dubai Future Week brings innovation into focus
Held under the theme ‘For the Human of the Future’, Dubai Future Week will feature discussions, workshops, exhibitions, competitions and immersive experiences exploring emerging technologies.
The four-day programme aims to connect innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and technology specialists while examining how artificial intelligence could transform industries and everyday life.
Impact to expect
The AI Grandmaster Challenge could strengthen Dubai’s position as a global artificial intelligence hub, attract international technology talent and encourage businesses to explore practical AI applications. It may also create opportunities for innovation, collaboration and technological development across the UAE.
