UAE: Dubai Crown Prince launches AI platform, Taskforce, and startup program to accelerate digital economy

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan launches groundbreaking AI initiatives to drive innovation and digital growth/Image: X

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.

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.

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:

By providing a scalable, reliable foundation, the platform will help government bodies develop AI-driven solutions more quickly and cost-effectively.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.

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.

The meeting brought together top officials driving Dubai’s digital and AI agendas, including:

Their joint efforts reinforce Dubai’s commitment to technological excellence, smart governance, and sustainable development as it accelerates into a digitally empowered future. Go to Source