Sheikh Hamdan Approves New AI Initiatives to Strengthen Dubai’s Digital Future

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Dubai recently concluded GITEX Global 2025, one of the largest gatherings for technology and startups, where artificial intelligence and emerging technologies took center stage.

Building on this momentum, 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 new AI initiatives to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the emirate’s position as a global technology hub.

The approvals came during the second 2025 meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy, where Sheikh Hamdan introduced:

1. The AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform

This platform will provide government entities with an integrated digital environment to speed up the use of advanced technologies in public services. It offers shared infrastructure and smart systems that aim to reduce costs, strengthen cybersecurity, and improve efficiency.

The platform also supports the creation of governance frameworks to ensure the security and reliability of government data while enabling faster deployment of digital services.

“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 technological tools in delivering services that are more efficient, secure, and innovative, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).”

2. The Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce 

To maintain alignment across departments and accelerate digital projects, Hamdan approved the establishment of the Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce. The team will oversee implementation and ensure government entities progress together toward the emirate’s technology goals.

The taskforce’s formation followed consultations between the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) and Chief AI Officers from 27 government entities. Discussions focused on identifying opportunities to strengthen cooperation and improve coordination in the adoption of emerging technologies.

Hamdan explained that Dubai’s success model is built on cooperation among institutions, supported by a unified digital ecosystem that encourages data sharing and innovation while improving community well-being.

3. The Unicorn 30 Programme

Hamdan also endorsed the Unicorn 30 Programme, launched by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy with support from 80 local and international companies. The initiative aims to help 30 emerging startups in new economic sectors achieve billion-dollar valuations, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global center for entrepreneurship.

Operating under Dubai Founders HQ, the programme includes ten initiatives covering finance, regulations, and growth strategies to help startups expand internationally and contribute to Dubai’s digital economy.

In a post on X, Hamdan shared, “We also announced the Unicorn 30 Programme to support 30 emerging companies on their journey to become global billion-dollar enterprises from Dubai.”

He further announced that the committee also discussed preparations for GITEX Global 2026, which will mark the 46th edition of the international technology event. “We directed preparations for the 2026 editions of GITEX Global and Expand North Star at Expo City Dubai — set to be their best-ever,” he noted. 

Expanding Investment

These initiatives come as the UAE’s AI market continues to attract significant investment. 

The country’s AI market is expected to reach USD 46.33 billion by 2030, according to Trends Research & Advisory, with growing capital flowing into digital and automation sectors.

In the first quarter of 2025, UAE-based startups raised USD 872 million, an 865 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Of this total, Dubai-based startups accounted for 93 percent of the funding. Data from multiple sources indicate that Dubai’s technology firms have raised more than USD 158 million in venture capital and private equity over the past decade, including USD 37.5 million in 2025 alone.

Major investments include the USD 1.5 billion Dubai AI Startup Fund, launched in May 2025, and Microsoft’s USD 1.5 billion investment in Abu Dhabi-based G42 in 2024. State-backed funds such as MGX have also allocated more than USD 100 billion toward technology projects, further strengthening the UAE’s position as a global innovation hub.