Image: Dubai Media Office
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, has approved a new package of artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives aimed at advancing the emirate’s digital transformation and strengthening its position as a global technology hub.
The approval was made during the second 2025 meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy, where Sheikh Hamdan reviewed recent progress and outlined next steps to expand AI adoption across government and key sectors.
Among the initiatives approved were the ‘AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform’, the formation of the ‘Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce’, and the launch of the ‘Unicorn 30 Programme’.
Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai remains committed to its goal of becoming “the world’s fastest, smartest and most prepared city to adopt future technologies and AI,” guided by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“Our vision is clear, and our priorities are well defined,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “We are in a constant race to enhance the readiness of our government entities not only to keep pace with future transformations but also to make the most of AI tools in delivering services that are more efficient, secure, and innovative, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).”
He added that Dubai’s success is built on integration and collaboration across government entities, highlighting the emirate’s unified digital ecosystem that promotes data exchange, accelerates progress, and prioritises the well-being of its people.
The newly launched platform will enable government entities to accelerate AI adoption through a secure, integrated digital environment that offers advanced infrastructure and ready-to-use smart services. It aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs via shared infrastructure, and strengthen cybersecurity and governance frameworks to protect government data.
Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce
The committee also approved the establishment of the Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce, which will coordinate efforts among government entities and align AI strategies to support the emirate’s broader digital transformation goals.
The taskforce was formed following consultations between the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Chief AI Officers from 27 government entities, identifying key opportunities to enhance collaboration and decision-making.
Unicorn 30 Programme
Sheikh Hamdan also approved the ‘Unicorn 30 Programme’, developed by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy with the participation of 80 local and international companies. The initiative aims to accelerate the growth of 30 startups in emerging sectors, helping them achieve unicorn status and strengthening Dubai’s role as a global entrepreneurship hub.
Launched under the Dubai Founders HQ umbrella, the programme includes ten initiatives focused on financing, growth, regulation, and governance to help startups scale globally and reinforce Dubai’s digital economy ecosystem.
GITEX Global 2026
The committee reviewed preparations for GITEX Global 2026, which will mark the 45th edition of the global technology event. Moving from the Dubai World Trade Centre to Expo City Dubai, the event will expand its international reach and content offering, with greater participation from global industry leaders and media. The relocation aims to provide a sustainable and advanced environment aligned with Dubai’s innovation vision.
Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on recent achievements, including the launch of the Dubai PropTech Hub, announced in July, which aims to attract 200 property technology companies and create over 3,000 skilled jobs by 2030.
He was also updated on the operational strategy of Dubai Founders HQ, launched earlier this month following approval during the committee’s first 2025 meeting.
