Dubai is set to accelerate its push to become a global artificial intelligence powerhouse after Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum unveiled an ambitious strategy aimed at embedding next-generation AI across the emirate’s private sector.

Chairing a meeting of Dubai’s Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and the Digital Economy, Sheikh Hamdan approved a series of initiatives designed to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading hub for digital innovation, talent, and advanced technologies.

At the centre of the plans is an executive programme to promote the adoption of Agentic AI—autonomous AI systems capable of carrying out tasks, making decisions, and managing operations with minimal human intervention.

“Our goal is for Dubai to become the world’s leading hub for developing and deploying advanced AI solutions,” Sheikh Hamdan said, stressing the crucial role of the private sector in driving the emirate’s technological transformation.

The programme aims to support 295,000 businesses across Dubai, develop 100 specialised AI assistants over the next two years, and facilitate the establishment of 50 Agentic AI companies.

Sheikh Hamdan said AI was becoming a key driver of economic growth and competitiveness, adding that future success would depend on moving beyond traditional AI tools towards more autonomous and capable systems.

The committee also approved Dubai’s hosting of the 50th International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) World Finals in November 2026. The event, regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious student programming competitions, is expected to attract 140 teams from more than 70 countries.

In a further effort to attract skilled professionals, Sheikh Hamdan endorsed the launch of the Dubai Global Talent Network, a platform designed to connect international talent with ties to the emirate and engage them in future development projects.

Among other initiatives approved was a Digital Twin System for Dubai Police, which will use advanced digital modelling and real-time data analysis to enhance surveillance and operational decision-making. The pilot phase will cover 150 cameras across the city.

The meeting also reviewed progress across several flagship digital economy projects. Dubai’s SME digital trade initiative, developed in partnership with Amazon, has reached more than 105,000 companies, surpassing its 2026 target ahead of schedule.

Meanwhile, the Ignyte entrepreneurship platform has attracted over 36,000 users, while the Dubai AI Campus now hosts more than 400 specialist firms and has trained over 1,500 participants through its AI Academy.

Officials also highlighted the rapid growth of Dubai Founders HQ, which has attracted more than 1,100 members and 500 startups within nine months of its launch. Startups within the network have collectively secured more than AED200 million in funding.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials including Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, alongside leaders from Dubai’s technology, economic development, and innovation sectors.

Dubai is getting a major tech upgrade for trainee drivers. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has updated its light vehicle driver training curriculum to include modern smart driving technologies and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The move reflects the growing number of vehicles equipped with intelligent safety features on Dubai’s roads and aims to better prepare new drivers for modern driving conditions.

What’s included in the new training?

The updated curriculum now covers training on:

• Forward collision warning
• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane departure alerts
• Parking assist systems
• Adaptive cruise control
• ABS braking systems
• Other advanced driver safety technologies

According to Sultan Al Akraf, Director of Drivers Licensing at the RTA, the revised programme is designed to improve driver behaviour, enhance road safety and help reduce traffic accidents.

Integrated into driving schools and tests

The new content has been added to:

• Theoretical lessons
• Practical driving sessions
• Official driver handbooks

The programme was developed in collaboration with Dubai’s driving institutes to align training with internationally recognised road safety standards.

RTA says more than 250,000 trainees have already benefited from the updated curriculum in recent years, while workshops continue to be held for driving schools to ensure instructors stay updated on evolving vehicle technologies.

As cars become increasingly automated and technology-driven, understanding ADAS systems is becoming a key part of safe driving.

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened Dubai’s first Smart Bus Station at Mall of the Emirates, introducing a new tech-driven public transport experience for commuters across the city.

The station offers round-the-clock customer services through interactive smart platforms that reduce waiting times and improve the overall passenger experience.

Smart bus routes

The new station serves 11 bus routes, including Dubai Metro feeder buses, internal city routes and seasonal services. It also directly connects to the Dubai Metro via the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station.

The smart hub links commuters to major residential and commercial areas, including Al Barsha, Jumeirah Village Circle, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Science Park, as well as tourist hotspots such as Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village.

Covering around 147 square metres, the station can accommodate up to 20 passengers at a time and also includes a dedicated driver rest area.

Real-time Metro, taxi updates

Among its standout features are real-time digital displays showing bus and metro arrival times, taxi availability and local area navigation. The station also includes a smart kiosk with a virtual assistant for journey planning, Lost and Found support and direct access to customer service.

Passengers can additionally view live occupancy levels on arriving buses, helping them make more efficient travel decisions and reducing congestion during busy periods.