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, has approved a package of artificial intelligence projects and initiatives designed to accelerate Dubai’s adoption of technologies and drive digital transformation across sectors.
The projects were approved during the second 2025 meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy, where Sheikh Hamdan reviewed progress and achievements from the past period.
The package includes the launch of the AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform, the establishment of the Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce, and the Unicorn 30 Programme.
Sheikh Hamdan approves AI projects to accelerate Dubai digital transformation
Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai is committed to achieving its vision of becoming the world’s fastest, smartest and most prepared city to adopt technologies and AI.
“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),” Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement.
He noted that Dubai’s journey is guided by the vision and directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which aim to build a digital economy powered by knowledge and innovation.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that Dubai’s success is built on integration, collaboration, and a commitment across government entities to deliver impact.
He noted that every step Dubai takes in its technological and economic transformation journey will consolidate its position as a global benchmark for smart governance, agile operations, and sustainable development.
Dubai launches AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform
The AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform will enable government entities in Dubai to accelerate the adoption of AI technologies and expand their application across sectors.
The platform provides a digital environment that combines infrastructure with services, empowering entities to develop AI-driven solutions and services with quality, delivery, and costs, whilst ensuring levels of cybersecurity and reliability.
The platform seeks to accelerate government use of AI technologies, improve efficiency, reduce costs through a digital infrastructure that optimises resource utilisation, and strengthen governance and cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard government data and maintain its integrity and trustworthiness.
Dubai establishes AI Acceleration Taskforce
The Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce has been created to strengthen collaboration among government entities and align their vision for adopting AI applications within a framework that supports Dubai’s digital transformation journey.
The establishment of the taskforce follows discussions conducted by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence with Chief AI officers from 27 government entities, which identified challenges and opportunities in the field.
The taskforce will focus on enhancing integration, accelerating decision-making, and driving impact across sectors by expediting the adoption of technologies.
Sheikh Hamdan approves Unicorn 30 Programme to create billion-dollar startups
The Unicorn 30 Programme, developed by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy with the participation of 80 local and international companies specialising in entrepreneurship and startup development, aims to fast-track the growth of 30 companies across economic sectors.
The programme aims to enable these companies to become global unicorns—billion-dollar enterprises—originating from Dubai.
Launched under the umbrella of Dubai Founders HQ, the programme aims to leverage practices to empower startups and strengthen Dubai’s digital economy ecosystem.
It features 10 initiatives covering financing, growth, regulation, and governance, all designed to create a environment that enables startups to scale globally and reinforces Dubai’s position as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
GITEX Global 2026 to relocate to Expo City Dubai in December
The committee reviewed plans for the upcoming edition of GITEX Global, scheduled for December 2026, which will mark a milestone in the event’s 45-year evolution.
Moving from the Dubai World Trade Centre to Expo City Dubai, the event will take on a scale and scope, featuring content, participation, and engagement from international media and industry leaders.
The relocation aims to deliver an experience supported by infrastructure and a environment that reflects Dubai’s vision.
Sheikh Hamdan reviews PropTech Hub progress
Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on a report outlining achievements of projects launched over the past few months.
These include Dubai PropTech Hub, the first of its kind in the region, which was announced in July with the aim of creating the largest hub for property technology companies in the Middle East and North Africa by 2030.
The hub seeks to attract 200 companies in the sector and create over 3,000 jobs, whilst supporting Dubai’s economy through 171 construction-related roles.
Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on the strategy of Dubai Founders HQ, which was approved during the committee’s first meeting of 2025 and launched last week.
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; His Excellency 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 Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy; Malek Al Malek, Director General of the Dubai Development Authority; Arif Amiri, CEO of the DIFC Authority; and Maha Al Mezaina, General Rapporteur of the Committee.
