Dubai launches major AI & startup programme
In a decisive move to further strengthen its position as a global technology and innovation hub, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has approved a comprehensive suite of artificial-intelligence (AI) and start up-oriented initiatives aimed at accelerating the emirate’s digital economy transformation.
Key pillars of the programme
- AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform: This new platform is designed to empower government entities in Dubai with a secure and integrated digital environment. It will enable public-sector bodies to develop and deploy AI-powered solutions and services with higher speed, improved quality and lower cost, while ensuring robust cybersecurity and governance frameworks. eration Taskforce: A cross-entity taskforce has been established to ensure strategic alignment of AI adoption across multiple government bodies. The initiative, developed by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) in consultation with Chief AI Officers from 27 government entities, will focus on accelerating decision-making, supporting institutional integration, and driving measurable impact through AI deployment.
- Unicorn 30 Programme: Recognising the importance of scaling home-grown innovation, the programme—launched under the umbrella of Dubai Founders HQ and coordinated by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy—aims to fast-track 30 emerging companies so they can become global “unicorns” (billion-dollar enterprises) originating in Dubai. It has garnered participation from some 80 local and international companies specialising in entrepreneurship, growth and governance.
Strategic context & implications
These efforts come as part of Dubai’s broader digital-economy agenda—namely the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33)—which seeks to double the emirate’s GDP over the coming decade by promoting innovation, talent attraction and advanced technology deployment.
By prioritising AI infrastructure, collaboration across government, and scaling of startups, Dubai is signalling a shift: from being a consumer of technology, to becoming a global producer of innovation. For startup founders, investors and tech companies, this means enhanced support, improved ecosystem readiness and clearer pathways for growth.
Why this matters
- For government services: With the new infrastructure platform and taskforce, public-sector entities will be better equipped to integrate AI into service delivery—meaning faster, more efficient, and more responsive citizen-facing operations.
- For the startup ecosystem: The Unicorn 30 Programme indicates serious ambition to develop and export high-value companies from Dubai. This is a key signal for investors and entrepreneurs looking at the Middle East as a base.
- For the global tech landscape: Dubai’s direction complements regional and global shifts toward AI, edge computing and digital governance. With this concentrated push, Dubai stands to attract both talent and technology investment.
What to watch
- How quickly the AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform gets adopted across government entities, and what measurable improvements it delivers (in cost-savings, service levels, data-governance).
- Which companies are selected for the Unicorn 30 cohort, and how fast they scale or raise funding.
- The collaborations between government, academia, and private sector as the Taskforce gets operational—particularly in emerging domains like AI-driven regulation, digital twins, and smart services.
- The next edition of GITEX Global 2026: the meeting noted that the relocation of the tech event to Expo City Dubai will mark a new scale for Dubai’s tech showcase.
Final word
With Sheikh Hamdan’s approval, Dubai has unlocked a three-pronged strategy—build the heavy-duty infrastructure, align institutions for execution, and fuel innovation by scaling start-ups. If implemented effectively, this could accelerate Dubai’s transformation into one of the world’s leading AI-driven cities and innovation ecosystems.
