Dubai is taking bold strides toward becoming the world’s fastest, smartest, and most prepared city to embrace future technologies , under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. At the recent second 2025 meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy , Sheikh Hamdan approved a series of ambitious artificial intelligence (AI) projects and initiatives designed to boost Dubai’s digital transformation across critical sectors.
Driving Dubai’s vision for a smart, tech driven future
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that Dubai’s commitment to advanced technologies and AI is rooted in the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to build an integrated digital economy fueled by knowledge and innovation . This vision is aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which focuses on improving government efficiency, security, and innovation through AI.
Highlighting the collective effort, Sheikh Hamdan noted the importance of integration and collaboration among government entities , which together create a unified ecosystem promoting data exchange and accelerating progress. Dubai’s approach places people and societal well-being at its core, aiming to become a global hub for talent, innovation, and future solutions.
Key initiatives to empower AI adoption and economic growth
The committee approved several critical initiatives during the meeting:
1. AI infrastructure empowerment platform
This new platform offers government entities a secure, integrated digital environment with advanced infrastructure and ready-to-use smart services. It is designed to:
2. Dubai AI acceleration taskforce
Formed to boost collaboration between government entities, this taskforce will align AI adoption strategies and facilitate quicker, integrated decision-making. It follows consultations with Chief AI Officers from 27 government bodies, who highlighted challenges and opportunities in AI deployment. The taskforce aims to expedite the rollout of cutting-edge AI technologies to create measurable impact across sectors.
3. Unicorn 30 programme
Launched by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, this programme supports 30 promising startups with the goal of turning them into global unicorns—billion-dollar companies rooted in Dubai’s expanding digital economy. The programme involves 80 local and international companies and includes 10 initiatives focused on financing, growth, regulation, and governance. It operates under Dubai Founders HQ to provide startups with global best practices and a supportive environment for scaling internationally.
Looking ahead: GITEX Global 2026 and progress updates
The committee also reviewed plans for GITEX Global 2026, which will move to Expo City Dubai, marking a major milestone in its 45-year history. The event will expand its global reach, featuring richer content and more engagement from international industry leaders, supported by advanced, sustainable infrastructure that reflects Dubai’s future vision.
Sheikh Hamdan was updated on the progress of several key projects, including the Dubai PropTech Hub, launched last July to become the largest property technology hub in the Middle East and North Africa by 2030. The hub aims to attract 200 companies and create over 3,000 skilled jobs, supporting Dubai’s innovation-driven economy.
The operational strategy of Dubai Founders HQ, approved earlier this year, was also highlighted as a key enabler of Dubai’s entrepreneurial and technological ecosystem.
Collaborative leadership driving Dubai’s digital future
The meeting brought together top officials driving Dubai’s digital and AI agendas, including:
Driving Dubai’s vision for a smart, tech driven future
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that Dubai’s commitment to advanced technologies and AI is rooted in the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to build an integrated digital economy fueled by knowledge and innovation . This vision is aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which focuses on improving government efficiency, security, and innovation through AI.
Highlighting the collective effort, Sheikh Hamdan noted the importance of integration and collaboration among government entities , which together create a unified ecosystem promoting data exchange and accelerating progress. Dubai’s approach places people and societal well-being at its core, aiming to become a global hub for talent, innovation, and future solutions.
During the second meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy this year, I reviewed progress on key initiatives and plans to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global leader in adopting future… pic.twitter.com/Ee6x3W4GXA
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) October 19, 2025
Key initiatives to empower AI adoption and economic growth
The committee approved several critical initiatives during the meeting:
1. AI infrastructure empowerment platform
This new platform offers government entities a secure, integrated digital environment with advanced infrastructure and ready-to-use smart services. It is designed to:
- Accelerate AI adoption across vital sectors
- Enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs through shared resources
- Strengthen governance and cybersecurity to protect government data
2. Dubai AI acceleration taskforce
Formed to boost collaboration between government entities, this taskforce will align AI adoption strategies and facilitate quicker, integrated decision-making. It follows consultations with Chief AI Officers from 27 government bodies, who highlighted challenges and opportunities in AI deployment. The taskforce aims to expedite the rollout of cutting-edge AI technologies to create measurable impact across sectors.
3. Unicorn 30 programme
Launched by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, this programme supports 30 promising startups with the goal of turning them into global unicorns—billion-dollar companies rooted in Dubai’s expanding digital economy. The programme involves 80 local and international companies and includes 10 initiatives focused on financing, growth, regulation, and governance. It operates under Dubai Founders HQ to provide startups with global best practices and a supportive environment for scaling internationally.
Looking ahead: GITEX Global 2026 and progress updates
The committee also reviewed plans for GITEX Global 2026, which will move to Expo City Dubai, marking a major milestone in its 45-year history. The event will expand its global reach, featuring richer content and more engagement from international industry leaders, supported by advanced, sustainable infrastructure that reflects Dubai’s future vision.
Sheikh Hamdan was updated on the progress of several key projects, including the Dubai PropTech Hub, launched last July to become the largest property technology hub in the Middle East and North Africa by 2030. The hub aims to attract 200 companies and create over 3,000 skilled jobs, supporting Dubai’s innovation-driven economy.
The operational strategy of Dubai Founders HQ, approved earlier this year, was also highlighted as a key enabler of Dubai’s entrepreneurial and technological ecosystem.
Collaborative leadership driving Dubai’s digital future
The meeting brought together top officials driving Dubai’s digital and AI agendas, including:
- His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy
- His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
- His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Dubai Digital Authority
- His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation
- Other key leaders from Dubai’s government and economic sectors
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