Dubai:H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the Global Innovation Challenge and the Agentic AI Award. This initiative, developed by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Dubai Municipality, was introduced during the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative aims to empower 10,000 Global Shapers across 150 countries to create innovative solutions using agentic AI. These solutions are intended to enhance urban services and improve quality of life. The award will distribute US$1 million among three winners at the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2027.
The signing ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Alois Zwinggi, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. The MoU was signed by Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, and Ida Jeng Christensen, Director of the Forum of Young Global Leaders at WEF.
The challenge will unite global innovators to create practical AI solutions tailored to community needs. Participants will benefit from the AI for All training program offered by Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, enhancing their skills in developing responsible AI applications.
Alois Zwinggi emphasized the challenge's potential to empower the next generation to develop scalable AI solutions with real benefits for cities. Eng. Marwan bin Ghalita highlighted the initiative's focus on involving young people in designing future cities with AI-powered solutions for sustainable development.
Participants will receive support through interactive sessions with experts and tools to develop their ideas. By March 2027, they can submit solutions ranging from concepts to early implementations. Entries will be judged on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, and measurable impact, with a focus on responsible AI use. Winners will be honored at the 2027 Annual Meeting.
The initiative's goal is to develop practical AI solutions and reinforce international partnerships for smarter, sustainable cities. The Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026, held in Dubai, gathers over 700 leaders and experts for dialogue and collaboration.