H.H. Sheikh Hamdan outlines plans to accelerate Dubai's digital transformation

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has approved a package of artificial intelligence (AI) projects aimed at accelerating Dubai’s adoption of AI in government entities.

The projects included the launch of the ‘AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform’ and the setting up of the ‘Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce’, as well as the ‘Unicorn 30 Programme’.

They were unveiled during the second meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy for 2025.

In a post on social media X, Sheikh Hamdan, who also holds the position of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, said the projects aim to "make government entities a model of agility and efficiency in integrating AI, fostering collaboration and advancing a unified innovation strategy".

"I reviewed progress on key initiatives and plans to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global leader in adopting future technologies and AI," Sheikh Hamdan added. 

During the second meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy this year, I reviewed progress on key initiatives and plans to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global leader in adopting future… pic.twitter.com/Ee6x3W4GXA

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) October 19, 2025

The ‘AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform’ will enable government entities in Dubai expand application of AI strategies across vital sectors. It will empower entities to develop AI-driven solutions and services with higher quality, faster delivery, and lower costs, while ensuring the highest levels of cybersecurity and reliability.

Meanwhile, the ‘Dubai AI Acceleration Taskforce’ will strengthen collaboration among government entities and align their strategic vision for adopting AI applications within an integrated framework. The team, which was set up in collaboration with Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) and Chief AI officers from 27 government entities, will focus on enhancing institutional integration, accelerating decision-making, and driving measurable impact across sectors.

The ‘Unicorn 30 Programme’ is developed by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy with the participation of 80 local and international companies specialising in entrepreneurship and startup development. It aims to fast-track the growth of 30 emerging companies across new economic sectors, enabling them to become global unicorns (billion-dollar enterprises) originating from Dubai. Launched under the umbrella of Dubai Founders HQ, the programme aims to leverage global best practices to empower startups and strengthen Dubai’s digital economy ecosystem.

Additionally, the committee reviewed plans for the upcoming edition of GITEX Global, scheduled for December 2026, which will mark a major milestone in the event’s 45-year evolution. Moving from the Dubai World Trade Centre to Expo City Dubai, the event will take on a new scale and scope, featuring richer content, expanded global participation, and greater engagement from international media and industry leaders.