Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, has approved a series of new artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives aimed at fast-tracking the emirate’s digital transformation and reinforcing its position as a global leader in technology-driven governance.

The initiatives were endorsed during the second 2025 meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy. Among the key projects approved were the AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform, the formation of the Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce, and the launch of the Unicorn 30 Programme to support high-growth startups.

The AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform will provide Dubai government entities with access to a secure, integrated digital environment, enabling faster development and deployment of AI-powered services. The platform aims to boost operational efficiency, reduce costs through shared infrastructure, and strengthen cybersecurity across public systems.

The Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce will bring together AI officers from 27 government entities to coordinate implementation strategies, streamline decision-making, and advance the adoption of AI tools across sectors. The taskforce was formed following consultations led by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence.

The Unicorn 30 Programme, spearheaded by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, seeks to scale 30 emerging companies into billion-dollar enterprises, positioning Dubai as a launchpad for global tech unicorns. The initiative includes 10 support mechanisms ranging from funding and regulation to international market expansion.

In addition, the committee reviewed plans for GITEX Global 2026, which will relocate to Expo City Dubai and expand its international footprint. The move reflects Dubai’s ambitions to host technology events on a larger and more sustainable scale.

Progress updates were also shared on earlier initiatives, including the Dubai PropTech Hub, launched in 2024, which aims to attract 200 companies and create over 3,000 jobs by 2030, and Dubai Founders HQ, a support platform for digital entrepreneurs.

The meeting was attended by senior government and technology leaders, including Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, and Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.