Sheikh Hamdan approves new AI initiatives to fast-track Dubai’s next big digital push
Dubai’s leadership has moved decisively to advance the emirate’s digital future. His Highness 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, today approved a comprehensive package of artificial-intelligence (AI) initiatives designed to accelerate Dubai’s technology transformation and strengthen its global innovation profile.
Key components of the initiative
The major elements of the approved package include:
- AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform: A central platform to support government entities in Dubai in rapidly adopting AI technologies across vital sectors. The platform will provide a secure, fully-integrated digital ecosystem combining advanced infrastructure with ready-to-use smart services — enabling faster deployment of AI-driven solutions, lower costs, and strengthened governance and cybersecurity.
- Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce: A newly-formed taskforce tasked with aligning AI strategies across government agencies, improving institutional integration, expediting decision-making, and driving measurable impact through technology adoption. It was created following consultations with Chief AI Officers from 27 government entities.
- Unicorn 30 Programme: An initiative aimed at scaling emerging companies by fast-tracking 30 high-potential start-ups to become global “unicorns” (billion-dollar enterprises) originating from Dubai. This programme is backed by local and international entrepreneurial companies and is part of the wider push to develop Dubai’s start-up ecosystem.
Strategic intent
Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that Dubai’s vision is to become “the world’s fastest, smartest and most prepared city to adopt future technologies and AI.” He stressed that government entities must not only keep pace with change but lead the transformation by embedding AI into service delivery, operations and governance.
These initiatives align with the broader Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the city’s drive to double its GDP contribution from the digital economy, enhancing its position as a global innovation hub.
Implications for business, government and society
- For government agencies, the AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform means faster adoption of digital tools, improved service delivery, better resource optimisation and stronger data governance.
- For the startup ecosystem, the Unicorn 30 Programme signals a strong push to turn local innovation into world-class enterprises, creating more attractive opportunities for investors, founders and global markets.
- For the region, this mobilises Dubai’s ambition to be a benchmark in digital transformation, attracting talent, capital and partnerships across artificial intelligence, advanced services and smart governance.
What to watch
- How quickly the approved initiatives translate into actual deployments and measurable outcomes in government services and operations.
- Which startups are selected for the Unicorn 30 cohort and how they scale; their performance will serve as a barometer for the initiative’s success.
- The upcoming edition of GITEX Global (2026) — relocating to Expo City Dubai — which will showcase much of this ecosystem in action and may indicate how Dubai is packaging its global tech leadership story.
