Dubai: H.H. 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, approved a series of artificial intelligence (AI) projects and initiatives to accelerate Dubai’s digital transformation across various sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiatives, which include the ‘AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform’, the ‘Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce’, and the ‘Unicorn 30 Programme’, were sanctioned during the second 2025 meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy. This gathering provided an opportunity to assess the progress and achievements made in recent months.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai’s commitment to becoming the fastest and smartest city globally by embracing future technologies and AI. The city’s strategy is guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focusing on building a digital economy driven by knowledge and innovation.
The Crown Prince noted that Dubai is in a continuous effort to enhance government readiness for future transformations, ensuring efficient and innovative service delivery in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The success lies in integration and collaboration across government entities, fostering a unified ecosystem that prioritizes data exchange and societal well-being.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted Dubai’s role as a hub for talent and innovation, aiming to become a global benchmark for smart governance and sustainable development. The ‘AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform’ aims to enable government entities to adopt AI technologies, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs while ensuring cybersecurity.
The ‘Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce’ was also approved, aiming to strengthen collaboration among government entities and align their strategic vision for AI adoption. This team, formed after discussions with AI leaders from 27 government entities, will focus on institutional integration and accelerating AI technology adoption.
Additionally, the ‘Unicorn 30 Programme’, developed by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, seeks to accelerate the growth of 30 emerging companies into global unicorns. The programme supports startups through initiatives in financing, growth, regulation, and governance.
The committee also reviewed plans for GITEX Global 2026, which will move to Expo City Dubai, offering expanded participation and engagement. The event aims to reflect Dubai’s future-oriented vision with advanced infrastructure and a sustainable environment.
Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on recent achievements, including the Dubai PropTech Hub, which aims to attract 200 companies and create over 3,000 jobs by 2030. The meeting was attended by key figures in Dubai’s digital and economic sectors, including Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Helal Saeed Almarri, and others.