The Palantir AI deal in Dubai is at the center of a major new move in the emirate’s technology and real estate sectors. The deal brings together Dubai Holding and US-based Palantir Technologies in a joint venture called Aither that aims to speed up the use of artificial intelligence across Dubai’s economy.
New AI venture Aither
Dubai Holding and Palantir have set up Aither as a dedicated AI company based in the UAE. The venture will use Palantir’s software platforms to help government entities and private businesses turn raw data into clear, practical insights. The goal is to support faster decisions, cut waste, and improve returns across major sectors.
Leaders from both sides present the venture as a strategic partnership, not just a technology contract. They frame Aither as a vehicle to build long-term AI capability inside the UAE, with local teams working closely with Palantir experts. This structure aims to balance global know-how with regional priorities and regulations.
Focus on Dubai real estate
A key target for Aither is Dubai’s large and complex real estate market. Dubai Holding controls major property and destination assets, including flagship residential, retail, and hospitality developments. These portfolios produce huge volumes of data on sales, leasing, operations, and customer behavior that are often underused.
By applying Palantir’s AI tools, Dubai Holding wants to improve how it plans, prices, and manages its real estate projects. The software can integrate data from many sources and show it in a single, usable view. This approach can support decisions on land use, project phasing, maintenance schedules, and tenant mix, while also improving risk management.
Support for Dubai’s digital agenda
The AI partnership aligns with Dubai’s broader economic strategy, which puts digital transformation at the center of future growth. Authorities want to increase the value created by data, automation, and advanced analytics in both public services and private business. Aither is positioned as one of the engines to deliver on this vision.
The venture’s work is expected to extend beyond real estate into other sectors where Dubai Holding is active, such as tourism, leisure, and financial services. Over time, the partners plan to offer AI solutions to a wider set of clients in the UAE and possibly other markets, turning Aither into a regional AI platform.
Building local AI capacity
Aither is also designed to develop local skills and jobs in the AI field. The company plans to train and employ teams in data science, engineering, and product development within the UAE. This emphasis on local capability aims to reduce dependence on external providers and ensure that sensitive data remains under regional control.
For Palantir, the joint venture deepens its presence in the Gulf at a time when regional governments are investing heavily in digital infrastructure. For Dubai Holding, it provides direct access to mature AI technology and expertise while keeping strategic oversight. Together, they are betting that structured use of AI can give Dubai’s real estate and wider economy a measurable performance boost without adding complexity for end-users.
