Dubai Expands AI Strategy with New Initiatives

Dubai's Artificial Intelligence Strategy Reaches New Heights – Three Key Initiatives Launched

Dubai continues to bolster its leadership role in artificial intelligence and the digital economy. According to the latest announcements, three new flagship initiatives – the 'AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform,' the 'Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce,' and the 'Unicorn 30 Programme' – have been launched to make the city the world's most prepared and rapidly adapting digital hub.

Decisions from the Supreme Committee for Future Technologies

These initiatives were approved at the second meeting of the Higher Committee responsible for Future Technologies and Digital Economy Development in 2025. The goal is clear: Dubai not only needs to keep pace with technological growth but also lead it.

The approved projects reflect a vision for the city to provide public services more efficiently, quickly, and securely while reducing operational costs, increasing competitiveness, and strengthening digital sovereignty.

AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform – AI-Based Infrastructure

The new platform aims to create a fully integrated, secure digital environment that allows government bodies to introduce and apply artificial intelligence technologies more swiftly.

The solution is not just a technological backdrop but a complete service framework that:

allows rapid development of AI-based services,

reduces costs and time investment,

optimizes resource utilization,

and above all, ensures the highest level of cybersecurity.

Sharing the common digital infrastructure not only creates efficiency but, through reinforced regulation and oversight, also ensures the protection of data integrity.

Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce – Collaboration-Driven Acceleration Taskforce

The second significant announcement involves creating a new strategic body called the 'Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce.' This task force facilitates collaboration among government bodies in the coordinated introduction of AI applications.

The initiative is backed by a comprehensive consultation series conducted by the Dubai Artificial Intelligence Center with AI leaders from 27 government organizations. The dialogues identified current challenges and opportunities, and the main tasks of the Acceleration Taskforce are defined based on these:

improving integration between institutions,

accelerating decision-making,

promoting AI technology applications with measurable, actionable results.

Unicorn 30 Programme – The Birth of New Unicorns in Dubai

The third major project is about supporting the startup ecosystem. The 'Unicorn 30 Programme' aims to nurture 30 emerging technology ventures into globally recognized companies valued at a billion dollars – known as 'unicorns.'

The initiative involves more than 80 local and international firms active in business development and innovation. The program focuses on:

creating financing opportunities,

establishing a growth-supportive regulatory environment,

spreading transparent governance models,

and facilitating entry of startups into global markets.

The program is directed by Dubai Founders HQ, part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the digital economy.

Gitex Global 2026 – New Venue, New Dimensions

The committee meeting also addressed the Gitex Global 2026 edition, which will mark a milestone in the event's history. The event will move from the Dubai World Trade Centre to Expo City Dubai, providing a more sustainable, higher-capacity, and future-oriented environment.

The goal of the new venue is to:

expand international participation,

enable deeper industry connections,

and offer visitors a more innovative, technologically advanced experience.

PropTech Hub and Other New Projects

During the session, the region’s leading real estate technology hub, Dubai PropTech Hub, was also introduced, aiming to attract 200 companies and create more than 3,000 skilled jobs by 2030.

Additionally, the operational strategy of Dubai Founders HQ was presented, aimed at serving as a central platform for startups and innovators. This strategy was launched based on the committee’s previous decisions and already provides significant support to digital enterprises.

Summary: Dubai's New Digital Era Has Begun

The newly approved initiatives are not isolated projects but part of a comprehensive, well-structured digital strategy. Dubai’s goal is clear: to serve as a global leader in artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and technological innovation.

Through the new platforms, task forces, and startup programs, Dubai is not only preparing for the future but actively shaping it—building an ecosystem that attracts talent, supports businesses, and generates long-term sustainable economic growth.

(The article is based on the announcement by Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.)