- AI Infrastructure Enablement Platform launched to accelerate AI adoption across Dubai’s government.
- AI Adoption Acceleration Team formed to unify strategy and strengthen cross-government collaboration.
Unicorn 30 Program approved to grow 30 startups into billion-dollar companies from Dubai.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, affirmed that Dubai continues to advance confidently toward its vision of becoming the fastest and most future-ready city in adopting next-generation technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).
He highlighted that this direction stems from the vision and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to build a comprehensive digital economy based on knowledge and innovation, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global capital for advanced technologies.
The statement came during the second meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy for 2025, where H.H. Sheikh Hamdan reviewed recent achievements and approved a series of new, high-impact projects and initiatives aimed at accelerating digital transformation and adopting future technologies across key sectors in the Emirate of Dubai.
A Clear Vision for Digital Transformation
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said:
“Our direction is clear and our priorities are well-defined. We are focused on enhancing the readiness of government entities to embrace future shifts, leveraging artificial intelligence to deliver high-quality, secure, and innovative services that meet the aspirations of our leadership and strengthen Dubai’s global competitiveness.
Artificial intelligence and the digital economy are fundamental pillars in achieving the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and realizing Dubai’s vision to become the world’s smartest city.”
He emphasized that integration between government entities is key to success, and that collaboration is the true guarantee of achieving tangible, sustainable progress in Dubai’s digital journey.
He added that Dubai aims to build a unified ecosystem that shares data, accelerates progress, and prioritizes people’s welfare, ensuring the city remains adaptive, innovative, and resilient.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan continued:
“Dubai will remain a destination for innovators, a hub for global talent, and an incubator for minds shaping the future. Every step we take in advancing our technological and economic transformation reinforces our global development model based on intelligence, agility, and foresight — driving a sustainable knowledge-based economy.”
Launch of the AI Infrastructure Enablement Platform
During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan approved the launch of the “AI Infrastructure Enablement Platform”, designed to empower Dubai’s government entities to accelerate AI adoption and expand its use across key sectors.
The platform provides an integrated, secure digital environment that combines advanced infrastructure with ready-to-use smart services, enabling government entities to develop AI-powered solutions more efficiently — with higher quality, lower costs, and faster implementation — while ensuring the highest standards of cybersecurity and data reliability.
The platform focuses on three main objectives:
Accelerating AI use cases across government entities to enhance readiness and adoption.
Improving operational efficiency and reducing costs through a shared digital infrastructure for optimal resource utilization.
Enhancing cybersecurity and governance to safeguard government data and maintain trust.
Formation of the Dubai AI Adoption Acceleration Team
The meeting also approved the formation of the “AI Adoption Acceleration Team in Dubai”, aimed at strengthening inter-governmental collaboration and unifying the strategic vision for AI deployment under a comprehensive framework that supports the emirate’s digital transformation goals.
The team was formed based on findings from discussions held by the Dubai Center for AI Applications with chief AI executives from 27 government entities, which identified key challenges in AI adoption.
The team will focus on:
Institutional integration and faster decision-making across government entities.
Accelerating future technology adoption and achieving measurable impact.
Positioning Dubai as a global center for artificial intelligence innovation.
The “Unicorn 30” Program
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan also approved the “Unicorn 30 Program”, developed by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, in collaboration with 80 local and international companies specializing in entrepreneurship and startup development.
The program aims to support the growth of 30 startups into global unicorns originating from Dubai, under the umbrella of the “Dubai Entrepreneurs Campus”, ensuring alignment with global best practices in startup enablement and the digital economy.
The initiative includes 10 key pillars, covering areas such as financing, growth acceleration, regulations, and governance, to solidify Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for entrepreneurship and the new economy.
GITEX 2026: A New Global Milestone
The committee’s agenda also discussed plans for the most significant edition of GITEX Dubai, scheduled for December 2026, marking a transformative milestone in the exhibition’s 45-year history.
The event will move from the Dubai World Trade Centre to Expo City Dubai, offering a larger global platform for innovation, enhanced media exposure, and the participation of top global technology leaders and decision-makers, all within a sustainable and futuristic environment that reflects Dubai’s forward-looking vision.
Review of Achievements and Progress
The meeting reviewed the committee’s progress report, highlighting key achievements such as the inauguration of the Dubai PropTech Hub in July — the first of its kind in the region.
The hub aims to become the largest PropTech cluster in the Middle East and North Africa by 2030, targeting 200 specialized companies and creating over 3,000 specialized jobs, in addition to 171 new construction-related roles that contribute to Dubai’s innovation-driven economy.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on the progress of the “Founders Hub”, which he inaugurated during the committee’s first meeting. The hub serves as a central platform to empower startups and strengthen Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering tailored programs and enabling tools for founders.
Members of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy
Attendees included:
H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy (Vice Chairman of the Committee).
H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai.
H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai Authority.
H.E. Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation.
H.E. Ahmad Bin Byat, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.
H.E. Malek Al Malek, Director General of the Dubai Development Authority and CEO of TECOM Group.
Arif Amiri, CEO of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
Maha Al Mazina, Secretary-General of the Committee.
Mandate of the Higher Committee
The Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, was established to shape Dubai’s future in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
The committee is responsible for developing strategies, policies, and investment frameworks related to emerging technologies, including metaverse, blockchain, AI, virtual and augmented reality, Internet of Things (IoT), data centers, and cloud computing.
It also oversees the implementation of digital economy strategies to enhance Dubai’s global leadership in smart governance and technological innovation.
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