The Dubai Municipality has launched an initiative to redesign Al Safa 2 Park using artificial intelligence, framing the project as the world’s first AI-powered park design competition.

The initiative, introduced under directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Crown Prince and UAE Minister of Defence, aims to evaluate how integrated AI tools can assist human designers. The technology will be applied across the planning cycle, from site analysis and climate optimization to user-experience forecasting and final visualization.

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, stated that the technology is intended to expand design capabilities and analyze data rather than replace human creativity. According to municipal officials, final design decisions will remain human-led.

The competition is open to urban planners, architects, researchers, startups, and academic students. Participants must document how AI tools influenced their spatial planning, environmental analysis - such as shade and microclimate optimization - and data-driven decision-making.

"Al Safa 2 Park provides an opportunity to test how AI can support the design of more responsive, comfortable, and sustainable public spaces," said Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality.

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of Dubai government officials alongside local and international experts in architecture and future city planning. Criteria include spatial intelligence, feasibility, sustainability, and the integration of data analysis into practical physical layouts. Following an expert shortlist, members of the public will vote on the final winning entries.

The competition features a total prize pool of AED 200,000 ($54,450 USD). The first-place submission will receive AED 100,000, with second and third places receiving AED 65,000 and AED 35,000, respectively.

Applications are being accepted through the official portal https://aipark.dm.gov.ae/ai-competition until August 15, 2026.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Alexander Agafiev

Alexander Agafiev is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.