MENA’s AI Market Set to 10x by 2030

In a powerful push for AI innovation across the MENA region, Meta has once again partnered with global accelerator Startupbootcamp to roll out the latest edition of the Llama Design Drive program — a dynamic three-month journey designed to equip startups with the tools, mentorship, and computing power needed to build the next generation of agentic AI solutions.

But what’s agentic AI? Think of intelligent assistants and chatbots that not only answer your questions but also take initiative — solving real-world problems autonomously. Whether it’s a virtual health advisor, a smart learning companion, or an AI public service agent, this kind of technology is fast becoming central to how MENA countries envision their digital future.

At the heart of the program is Meta’s latest innovation: the Llama family of large language models. Unlike traditional models, Llama is open-source and natively multimodal, meaning it can understand and generate not just text, but also images and more — making it a powerful tool for building AI agents that are responsive, smart, and deeply local.

“This isn’t just about AI for the sake of technology,” said Joulan Abdul Khalek, Policy Programs Manager at Meta. “We’re co-creating AI agents with the region’s brightest founders to solve MENA-specific challenges in mobility, healthcare, energy, and beyond.”

And it’s not just talk. The program provides selected startups with up to US$25,000 in AWS credits, hands-on mentorship from Meta’s engineering experts, and a rigorous schedule of workshops and development sessions. Over the course of three months, founders will design, build, and launch agentic AI applications that reflect the region’s unique needs and opportunities.

“From conversational healthcare bots to digital tutors and public service assistants, agentic AI is uniquely positioned to unlock regional potential,” said Hani Murad, CEO of Startupbootcamp. “We’ve seen past participants deliver real impact, and this year we’re doubling down.”

The program also brings major industry players to the table. Past collaborators include the Roads and Transport Authority, Emirates Airline, Chalhoub Group, MBC Group, and Dubai Holding — organisations that not only helped define real-world challenges for startups to solve but also gained early access to cutting-edge solutions that align with their digital strategies.

The last edition of the Llama Design Drive attracted more than 200 startup applications from across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with 43 startups selected across two cohorts. Standouts included UAE-based companies like Indigo Hive, Carbon Sifr, and Fitch Technologies, as well as KSA-based innovators like Mugafi and Labib Technologies. Their work spanned everything from sustainability and accessibility to content creation and predictive analytics.

And the momentum is growing. With the MENA agentic AI market expected to skyrocket from US$213 million in 2024 to US$2.2 billion by 2030, this is more than just a trend — it’s a transformation. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are already leading the charge with national models like Falcon and ALLaM, and governments are investing heavily in both infrastructure and digital skills to prepare their workforces for the AI-driven future.

Recent studies suggest that 86 percent of professionals in the region expect AI to reshape their roles within the next five years — a clear signal that the future of work, services, and daily life in the MENA region is going to be deeply intertwined with intelligent, self-directed technology.

And as the Llama Design Drive culminates in the highly anticipated Llama Summit, where the most promising startups will pitch their innovations to global and regional stakeholders, one thing is clear: the MENA region isn’t just keeping up with global AI trends — it’s helping define them.