AI-powered park, 8km Creek lighting project and Falcon Market: Dubai approves three landmark projects
New initiatives support urban growth and enhance city experiences
DUBAI – 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, has approved a series of new development projects and initiatives by Dubai Municipality aimed at enhancing urban facilities, improving public spaces and supporting quality of life across the emirate.
The approved initiatives include the Dubai Falcon Market, the Dubai Creek Lighting project, the launch of the First AI-Powered Park Design Challenge in Dubai, and collaborations with internationally recognised architects to develop landmark projects across the city.
The projects reflect Dubai’s continued focus on innovation, advanced technologies, sustainable urban development and human-centred design, supporting the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the vision of establishing Dubai as the world’s best city to live, work and visit.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said Dubai continues to develop transformative urban projects guided by a comprehensive vision that places people and quality of life at the centre of its priorities, while adopting innovation, sustainability and advanced technology as key pillars in shaping the future of the city.
“We believe that the cities best prepared for the future are those capable of creating resilient urban environments, integrated facilities, and enriching urban experiences that reflect identity, culture, and the aspirations of society,” he said. He added that the new projects build on Dubai’s efforts to create innovative public spaces and urban facilities that enhance community engagement, support the creative economy and strengthen the emirate’s position as a global model for designing future cities.
The meeting was attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; and Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality.
Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita said the projects reflect Dubai’s vision of developing a more sustainable and higher-quality city through innovative urban models that integrate advanced infrastructure, cultural identity and future technologies.
He added that Dubai Municipality continues to develop projects and initiatives supporting the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan by transforming public facilities and spaces into integrated destinations that encourage community participation, strengthen the creative economy and enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness.
Falcon Market
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan approved the Dubai Falcon Market project, the first integrated and specialised falcon market of its kind in the region.
The project’s design draws inspiration from the symbolism and cultural importance of the falcon in Emirati heritage, reflecting national identity through a contemporary experience. It aims to create a destination dedicated to celebrating falconry as an important part of the UAE’s cultural traditions.
The project forms part of Dubai’s wider strategy to develop rural and desert areas by enhancing their environmental and heritage character while creating sustainable destinations that preserve local culture and provide unique experiences for residents and visitors.
The market features an architectural concept inspired by the wings of a falcon, representing strength, movement and connection. The design combines heritage elements with a modern vision, creating a distinctive identity aligned with Dubai’s global image.
The facility will include specialised retail outlets for falcons and related supplies, spaces for cultural and heritage activities, a fully integrated veterinary clinic, and various services and experiences for visitors.
Covering approximately 50,000 square feet, the project has an estimated cost of around Dh50 million and is designed as an integrated urban destination supporting culture, heritage and innovation.
Dubai Creek Lighting
Dubai Creek will receive a major transformation through the Dubai Creek Lighting project, which aims to create an integrated visual and urban experience along an 8-kilometre stretch of the historic waterway.
The initiative seeks to enhance the cultural and historical identity of Dubai Creek while creating a new night-time destination for residents and visitors. It will introduce an innovative lighting system designed to highlight the creek’s surroundings and improve the experience of waterfront areas after sunset.
The project will cover key locations including promenades, creek entrances, heritage markets, building façades and waterfront walkways. The lighting design will create a vibrant and attractive environment while improving the connection between visitors and the historic districts surrounding the creek.
The initiative aims to highlight architectural details, heritage features and cultural landmarks while supporting evening activities and interactive experiences. It also reflects Dubai’s continued efforts to enhance waterfront destinations according to global standards.
Dubai Creek has played a central role in the emirate’s history, serving as an important cultural and economic landmark. The new project will reinforce its significance through a unified visual identity celebrating its heritage and contribution to Dubai’s development.
The Dubai Creek Lighting project is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027 and forms part of ongoing efforts to develop waterfront areas into integrated destinations supporting tourism, culture and urban experiences.
AI Park Challenge
Dubai has also approved the First AI-Powered Park Design Challenge, described as the world’s first initiative of its kind focused on using artificial intelligence throughout the planning and design stages of parks and public spaces.
The challenge aims to create a new model for urban design by using AI technologies and data analytics to better understand community needs, public space usage patterns and future requirements.
The initiative will bring together designers, urban environment specialists, university students, researchers, startups and innovation leaders working in artificial intelligence, technology and design.
It is designed to strengthen Dubai’s urban innovation ecosystem, encourage creative solutions and develop future-ready concepts supporting sustainable cities and improved public experiences.
The challenge will also encourage community involvement by allowing the public to contribute to the development of park designs through AI tools and interactive data analysis. This approach supports participatory design by involving residents in shaping future public spaces.
Winning designs will be selected through a collaborative evaluation process involving international experts, senior Dubai Government officials and community participation. The judging panel will include internationally recognised designers and urban specialists.
The initiative reflects Dubai’s wider ambition to expand the use of artificial intelligence in city development and create smarter, more responsive urban environments.
Global designs
As part of Dubai’s efforts to strengthen its position as a global centre for urban creativity, Dubai Municipality, through its Urban Planning and Design Lab, continues to collaborate with leading international architects on landmark projects across the emirate.
These partnerships aim to create innovative urban experiences that reflect Dubai’s future vision while preserving local identity through contemporary global design approaches.
Dubai Municipality has announced its collaboration with internationally renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma to develop the Reservoir Park project, marking Kuma’s first park project in Dubai.
The design concept is inspired by the relationship between nature, people and architecture, combining modern architectural innovation with local cultural identity. The project aims to create a space that reflects Dubai’s urban character while introducing a distinctive international design perspective.
The Reservoir Park project forms part of Dubai Municipality’s broader vision to develop world-class destinations in collaboration with leading architects and strengthen the emirate’s role in shaping future cities.
The new projects support Dubai’s ongoing efforts to expand sustainable urban infrastructure, enhance public facilities and improve integration between services and community spaces as the emirate continues to grow. They also contribute to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan through initiatives focused on innovation, sustainability, cultural identity and integrated urban living.