Dubai launches bold AI vision with new platform, taskforce and Unicorn 30 plan
Sheikh Hamdan leads new initiatives to strengthen Dubai’s digital transformation
DUBAI – Dubai has unveiled a comprehensive package of artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives designed to fast-track its transformation into one of the world’s most advanced digital economies.
His Highness 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 initiatives during the second 2025 meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy.
The newly approved projects – the AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform, the Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce, and the Unicorn 30 Programme – aim to integrate AI across government sectors, empower startups, and position Dubai as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that the emirate’s success is built on collaboration and readiness for the future, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
“Our vision is clear, and our priorities are well defined,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “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).”
AI Infrastructure Platform
At the heart of the new initiatives is the AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform, created to accelerate the adoption of AI technologies within Dubai’s government entities.
The platform will provide a secure and integrated digital environment combining advanced infrastructure with ready-to-use smart services. Its aim is to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain the highest standards of cybersecurity and data integrity. By enabling departments to develop AI-driven solutions more efficiently, the platform supports faster service delivery and optimised use of shared digital resources.
It also aligns with Dubai’s ambition to enhance government agility, strengthen governance frameworks, and uphold public trust in the reliability and transparency of its digital systems.
AI Acceleration Taskforce
Complementing the new infrastructure initiative is the Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce, which will coordinate and unify AI strategies across government departments.
Formed after consultations with Chief AI Officers from 27 government entities, the taskforce will focus on improving integration, speeding up decision-making, and achieving measurable impact in service innovation. It will be led by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) to ensure that Dubai’s digital transformation proceeds under a cohesive and forward-thinking framework.
The taskforce also serves as a platform for collaboration, ensuring that policies, resources, and data governance standards are streamlined across entities to accelerate adoption of next-generation AI technologies.
Unicorn 30 Programme
Among the most ambitious initiatives is the Unicorn 30 Programme, which seeks to propel 30 startups into billion-dollar enterprises born in Dubai.
Developed by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and launched under the Dubai Founders HQ, the programme involves 80 local and international companies specialising in entrepreneurship and innovation. It includes 10 strategic initiatives covering financing, regulation, and governance, aimed at nurturing a sustainable and globally competitive startup ecosystem.
The programme’s goal is to position Dubai as a springboard for tech-driven companies to scale internationally, reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as a centre for innovation and economic diversification.
Expanding digital horizons
The committee also reviewed the latest preparations for GITEX Global 2026, which will move from the Dubai World Trade Centre to Expo City Dubai for its landmark 45th edition. The event, directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum under the new GITEX TechCation 2026 initiative, is set to become the world’s largest technology and AI exhibition.
The relocation aims to expand the exhibition’s scale, encourage greater international participation, and host a more sustainable and future-focused experience. This evolution reflects Dubai’s broader strategy to enhance its role as a global innovation hub and align major events with its technology-driven growth ambitions.
PropTech and digital growth
Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on the Dubai PropTech Hub, launched in July 2025 to develop the largest property technology cluster in the Middle East and North Africa by 2030. The hub aims to attract 200 specialist firms and generate over 3,000 skilled jobs, contributing to the creation of 171 new construction-related roles.
This initiative forms part of Dubai’s wider efforts to boost innovation-driven sectors and strengthen the digital economy through emerging technologies, reflecting the objectives of the D33 agenda to double the emirate’s GDP within a decade.
In addition, updates were shared on the operational strategy of the Dubai Founders HQ – approved earlier this year and launched last week – which serves as a central base for supporting founders and entrepreneurs shaping Dubai’s next wave of growth.
Committee participation
The meeting was attended by leading figures in Dubai’s technology and economic ecosystem, including Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of the Dubai Digital Authority; and Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation.
Also present were 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.