The National

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First reported 7 October 2026 · Updated 16 October 2026 · 10 sources · 5 countries

Dubai launches a global AI agents championship with more than AED 2.5 million in prizes

On 7 October 2026, Sheikh Hamdan launched the Create AI Agents Championship, which replaces Dubai’s Create Apps Championship. Individuals, teams and companies anywhere can enter an AI agent idea, prototype or early product in one of four categories. Each category winner receives AED 550,000, and the overall winner AED 1 million.

What happened

The National reported that Sheikh Hamdan launched the championship on 7 October at the Create Apps Championship awards at Emirates Towers Boulevard. It replaces that competition.
The official release on Business Wire said the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy runs it. Individuals and teams can enter with an idea, a prototype or an early product, and existing businesses can submit a new AI agent capability.
Khaleej Times explained the four categories: Societal (social impact, education, sustainability), Personal (daily life, productivity, health and decisions), Business (workflows, services and customer experience in public and private organisations) and Youth (built by someone aged 21 or under).
The National said each category winner gets AED 550,000 ($150,000), and one overall winner is named AI Agent of the Year with AED 1 million.
Tbreak reported that teams can have up to six people, registration closes in December 2026, and the prototype, pitch deck and demo video are due in January 2027.
The National said the Create Apps Championship drew 15,564 apps from 153 countries since 2023 and helped launch more than 140.
The National quoted Sheikh Hamdan saying the aim is to make Dubai the first city to lead innovation in this field.

Summarised by Karaza from 10 sources. Claims are attributed to the outlet that made them.

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Dubai launches Create AI Agents Championship with prize money exceeding Dh2.5m

The National Local press · 7 October 2026

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