How to Start an AI Research and Consulting Firm in Meydan Free Zone

Dubai presents a promising market for entrepreneurs looking to set up an AI Consulting Firm. The UAE government actively supports innovation and technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), through various initiatives and funding programs. There is a growing demand for AI solutions and consulting services across diverse industries in Dubai, with businesses recognizing the value of AI for improving efficiency and customer experiences. Additionally, Dubai’s diverse economy and access to a talent pool of skilled professionals from around the world can provide opportunities for an AI Consulting Firm to cater to various industries and sectors.  

As an AI Consulting Firm, your business is at the forefront of technological advancements, and the work can involve developing new algorithms, conducting research, and analysing data to create innovative solutions that can help businesses achieve their objectives. It also operates in a rapidly growing and high-demand field, where businesses are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence and innovative technologies to gain a competitive edge. This presents an opportunity for your business to offer unique and valuable insights to clients and develop cutting-edge solutions that can help businesses achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively.

Your business can also offer a high-profit potential as clients are often willing to pay a premium for specialised and innovative solutions. With the right skills and expertise, an AI Consulting Firm can establish a strong reputation in the industry and attract clients from a variety of sectors.

6209.15 – Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Research and Consultancies  

An AI Consulting Firm offers strategic guidance and expertise to clients on how to effectively integrate and utilise artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in their business operations. Your primary responsibilities would entail understanding the unique needs and challenges of each client, conducting research and analysis to identify opportunities where AI can add value, and developing comprehensive AI strategies aligned with their business goals. This would also involve providing advisory services on ethical considerations, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment related to AI, to ensure responsible and ethical AI adoption.

The services provided by an AI Consulting Firm typically include:

AI Strategy Development: Collaborating with clients to develop comprehensive AI strategies that align with their business goals, assess the feasibility of AI projects, and identify potential areas of opportunity where AI can add value.

Custom AI Solutions: Conducting research and development activities to create custom AI solutions tailored to the specific requirements of clients. This may involve designing and implementing AI algorithms, models, or applications, and conducting proof-of-concept or pilot projects to validate their effectiveness.

Data Analytics and Machine Learning: Analysing data and building machine learning models to derive insights, develop predictive models, and support decision-making. This may involve data preprocessing, feature engineering, model training, and performance evaluation to deliver actionable insights and recommendations.

Implementation and Integration: Assisting clients with the implementation and integration of AI technologies into their existing systems or processes. This may involve data preparation, model deployment, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the successful adoption of AI solutions.

Ethical and Regulatory Considerations: Providing guidance on ethical considerations and regulatory compliance related to AI, including data privacy, security, bias mitigation, and explainability. Ensuring that AI solutions comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Exclusions:  

This business activity excludes the following.

Installation of mainframe and similar computers: AI Consulting Firms typically do not engage in the installation of mainframe or similar computers, as their primary focus is on providing strategic guidance and expertise on AI technologies and their applications, rather than hardware installation. Mainframes and similar computers are typically associated with hardware installation, configuration, and maintenance, which are outside the scope of services offered by AI Consulting Firms.

Computer programming: While AI Consulting Firms may assist with the development and implementation of custom AI solutions, they generally do not engage in routine computer programming activities. Computer programming involves coding and software development at a granular level, whereas AI Consulting Firms typically focus on higher-level strategic guidance, such as identifying opportunities for AI adoption, developing AI strategies, and providing advisory services on AI-related matters.

Computer consultancy: AI Consulting Firms may provide strategic guidance and consulting services related to AI technologies, but they typically do not offer general computer consultancy services. Computer consultancy may involve a broader range of services related to information technology (IT) management, systems analysis, IT infrastructure design, and IT strategy, which are not solely focused on AI technologies.

Computer facilities management: AI Consulting Firms do not typically engage in computer facilities management, as their core focus is on providing strategic guidance and expertise on AI technologies and their applications. Computer facilities management involves the day-to-day operational management and maintenance of IT infrastructure, data centres, and networks, which is outside the scope of services offered by AI Consulting Firms.

Data processing and hosting: While AI Consulting Firms may assist with data analytics and machine learning for AI solutions, they typically do not engage in routine data processing and hosting services. Data processing and hosting involve the management, storage, and processing of large volumes of data, which may be separate from the strategic advisory and consulting services offered by AI Consulting Firms.

Third-Party Approvals

This business activity does not require third-party approval.

ESR  

The Economic Substance Test (EST) is a regulatory requirement in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that applies to certain businesses to demonstrate that they are effectively managed or guided from within the UAE. The EST requires businesses to meet criteria such as having a sufficient number of full-time employees based in the UAE, generating the majority of their income within the UAE, and maintaining adequate assets and operational expenses in the UAE. The EST is assessed through the submission of an Economic Substance Return (ESR) within one year of the end of the fiscal year. The ESR is a report that provides details on how a business meets the EST criteria, including information on its activities, employees, income, expenses, and assets in the UAE.

For example, companies with fiscal years that commenced on or after January 1, 2019, and ended on or before December 31, 2019, are required to file the ESR. Newly established companies are also required to file an ESR the following year if their business activity falls under the requirement.

Business activity 6209.15 is not subject to ESR.

AML  

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) are subject to strict anti-money laundering (AML) laws and regulations, which aim to prevent money laundering, terrorism financing, and the funding of illegal organisations. DNFBPs are required to meet the standards set by the Ministry of Economy in order to comply with AML requirements. An awareness campaign was conducted on April 30th, 2021, and existing licensees were registered for goAML, the AML system.

It is crucial for DNFBPs to ensure they comply with AML requirements to avoid potential fines imposed by the Ministry of Economy for non-compliance. This includes implementing appropriate measures to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing, conducting customer due diligence, keeping accurate records, and reporting suspicious transactions. New licensees must also ensure they meet AML requirements after obtaining their license to avoid penalties.

Compliance with AML regulations is a key aspect of operating a business in the UAE if it is a requirement, and DNFBPs should work closely with professional advisors and stay updated with the latest AML laws and regulations to ensure full compliance and mitigate any potential risks.

Business activity 6209.15 is not subject to AML regulations.