Dubai to triple number of app developers by 2025

Dubai has launched a major initiative aimed at tripling the number of app developers in the city by 2025.

The 'Create Apps in Dubai' scheme will support local talent in developing cutting-edge applications that will be made available in digital app stores over the next two years.

A select group of 1,000 Emiratis will be trained in partnership with the private sector, and equipped with the skills needed to develop apps that will have a global impact.

"By encouraging greater sharing of digital and technological expertise, Dubai seeks to enhance its position as a global launchpad for future-oriented technologies," said Dubai's Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who launched the initiative.

The programme will be overseen by the Dubai Chamber for Digital Economy in coordination with government entities and tech companies. 

It will identify priority areas and support development plans aimed at empowering and enabling UAE nationals to play key roles in realising the country’s digital vision.

.@HamdanMohammed launches ‘Create Apps in Dubai’, an initiative of the Higher Committee of Future Technology Development and Digital Economy, which seeks to train a select group of 1,000 #UAE nationals in partnership with the private sector in #Dubai. pic.twitter.com/mAX1FmIred

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 29, 2023

With global smartphone sales revenues crossing $448 billion and two million new applications and games created in 2021, growth and innovation in the sector has been steadily gathering momentum.

Users spent more than $160 billion on applications while the number of downloads of applications hit 230 billion in 2021, creating vast new opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs and technology professionals.

The number of financial and business applications downloaded in the Middle East and Africa region exceeded 157 million in 2021, an increase of 182 per cent since 2018, while user spending in the top 25 electronic apps increased by 6.5 times compared to 2018.

Dubai seeks to leverage new growth opportunities in the sector by creating a strong digital infrastructure, developing a legislative framework that supports the development of apps, and introducing government incentives to accelerate the sector’s economic growth.

.@HamdanMohammed launches ‘Create Apps in #Dubai, aimed at fostering an innovation-driven ecosystem for digital applications in the emirate and turning Dubai into one of the world’s most attractive destinations for business opportunities by 2025.https://t.co/ogTzX31bcW pic.twitter.com/4c1kk0BfEd

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 29, 2023