New Dubai initiatives aim to accelerate AI adoption, empower startups and strengthen the emirate’s digital economy.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved the package of artificial intelligence (AI) projects designed to accelerate Dubai’s adoption of future technologies and strengthen its global innovation leadership.
Dubai AI projects
They were endorsed during the second 2025 meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy, where Sheikh Hamdan reviewed recent progress and achievements.
Sheikh Hamdan said: “Our vision is clear, and our priorities are well defined. We are in a constant race to enhance the readiness of our government entities not only to keep pace with future transformations but also to make the most of AI tools in delivering services that are more efficient, secure, and innovative, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33)”.
He emphasised that Dubai’s success is built on collaboration and shared commitment across government entities, adding that the emirate continues to attract talent, foster innovation, and develop future-ready solutions that enhance the well-being of its people.
At a glance: Dubai’s new AI and startup initiatives
• AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform: Accelerates government AI adoption
• Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce: Aligns strategies and strengthens collaboration
• Unicorn 30 Programme: Fast-tracks 30 startups into global billion-dollar enterprises
• GITEX Global 2026: To be held at Expo City Dubai for the first time
AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform
Sheikh Hamdan approved the AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform to help government entities in Dubai adopt AI technologies more rapidly across key sectors.
The platform provides a secure and fully integrated digital environment combining advanced infrastructure with ready-to-use smart services. It enables the development of AI-driven solutions with higher quality, faster delivery, and lower costs, while maintaining the highest standards of cybersecurity and reliability.
It also aims to improve operational efficiency, optimise resources through a shared digital infrastructure, and strengthen governance frameworks to safeguard government data and maintain integrity and trust.
Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce
The newly formed Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce will coordinate AI strategies across government entities within a unified framework that supports Dubai’s digital transformation goals.
The initiative follows consultations led by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) with Chief AI Officers from 27 government entities.
The taskforce will focus on enhancing institutional integration, accelerating decision-making, and driving measurable impact through the adoption of cutting-edge AI technologies.
Unicorn 30 Programme
Sheikh Hamdan also approved the Unicorn 30 Programme, launched by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy with participation from 80 local and international companies specialising in entrepreneurship and startup development.
The initiative aims to fast-track the growth of 30 emerging companies in new economic sectors, enabling them to become global unicorns (billion-dollar enterprises) originating from Dubai.
Operating under the Dubai Founders HQ, the programme features 10 key initiatives covering financing, growth, regulation, and governance.
It seeks to create a supportive ecosystem that empowers startups to scale globally and reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Dubai’s digital economy vision
The new AI initiatives are part of Dubai’s broader strategy to embed artificial intelligence across government services, expand its digital economy, and support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) — which targets a doubling of the emirate’s GDP within the next decade.
Together, the platform, taskforce, and startup programme underline Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s most advanced city in adopting future technologies and developing smart, agile, and sustainable governance.
GITEX Global and PropTech initiatives
The committee also reviewed plans for GITEX Global 2026, which will move from the Dubai World Trade Centre to Expo City Dubai for its 45th edition.
The relocation aims to expand the event’s scale and global participation, deliver richer content, and provide a sustainable and future-oriented setting for global innovation.
Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on recent achievements, including the Dubai PropTech Hub, launched in July 2025 to create the largest property technology cluster in the Middle East and North Africa by 2030.
The hub aims to attract 200 specialised companies and create over 3,000 skilled jobs while supporting Dubai’s innovation-driven economy through 171 new construction-related roles.
He was further updated on the operational strategy of Dubai Founders HQ, which was approved earlier this year and launched last week.
Committee participation
The meeting was attended by:
- Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, and Vice Chairman of the Committee
- Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
- Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of the Dubai Digital Authority
- Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation
- Ahmed bin Byat, Vice Chair of the Board of the Chamber of Digital Economy
- Malek Al Malek, Director-General of the Dubai Development Authority
- Arif Amiri, CEO of the DIFC Authority
- Maha Al Mezaina, General Rapporteur of the Committee
AI vision
Dubai’s latest AI and innovation initiatives mark another decisive step in transforming the emirate’s economy for the future.
By combining advanced infrastructure, coordinated policy, and startup empowerment, Sheikh Hamdan’s strategy positions the emirate as a model for digital transformation and sustainable growth in the AI era.
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