Dubai is set to welcome a one-of-a-kind falcon market and a spectacular new lighting experience along Dubai Creek after Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved a series of major development projects aimed at enhancing the city’s cultural, tourism and public spaces.

The new initiatives, announced by Dubai Municipality, include the Dubai Falcon Market, the first integrated falcon market of its kind in the region, and the Dubai Creek Lighting Project, which will transform one of the city’s oldest landmarks into a vibrant night-time destination.

Region’s first integrated falcon market

Designed to celebrate the UAE’s rich falconry heritage, the Dubai Falcon Market will combine tradition with modern architecture inspired by the wings of a falcon.

Spanning around 50,000 square feet and built at an estimated cost of Dh50 million, the market will feature specialist falcon shops, equipment stores, cultural exhibition spaces, heritage events, a dedicated veterinary clinic and visitor experiences, all within a purpose-built destination showcasing one of the country’s most treasured traditions.

The project also forms part of Dubai’s wider strategy to develop rural and desert areas while preserving Emirati heritage and creating new attractions for residents and tourists.

Dubai Creek to shine with new night-time experience

Dubai Creek, one of the emirate’s most historic waterfronts, is also set for a major makeover.

The Dubai Creek Lighting Project will introduce an innovative lighting system stretching across 8km of the creek, illuminating promenades, heritage markets, waterfront walkways, building façades and key entry points.

The aim is to transform the area into a lively evening destination while highlighting its architectural and cultural significance.

Once completed, visitors can expect enhanced pedestrian areas, interactive public spaces and a striking visual experience designed to bring new life to the historic district after sunset.

The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

Commenting on the projects, Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai remains committed to developing people-focused urban spaces that combine innovation, sustainability and advanced technology while preserving the emirate’s identity and cultural heritage.

The latest initiatives form part of Dubai’s long-term vision to create world-class public spaces, strengthen the tourism and creative sectors, and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Think you can design the park of the future? Dubai Municipality is inviting architects, designers, students and AI enthusiasts to do exactly that, with the help of artificial intelligence.

Under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, Dubai Municipality has launched what it says is the world’s first AI-powered park design challenge, allowing participants to reimagine Al Safa 2 Park using AI-driven tools. The competition also offers a total prize pool of Dh200,000.

Designing future of public parks

The initiative aims to explore how artificial intelligence can support every stage of park design, from analysing the site and understanding user needs to generating concepts, testing ideas and creating visualisations.

While AI will play a central role in the creative process, Dubai Municipality stressed that final design decisions will remain human-led.

Participants are expected to submit a master plan for Al Safa 2 Park, along with supporting data analysis, design concepts and visualisations that demonstrate how AI was used throughout the project.

Open to professionals, students and startups

The competition is open to a wide range of participants, including architects, urban planners, landscape designers, researchers, university students, startups and AI specialists.

Entries should showcase how artificial intelligence was integrated into different stages of the design process, including environmental analysis, spatial planning, user experience and performance optimisation.

Focus on sustainability and community

Designs will be assessed on more than just creativity.

Dubai Municipality is looking for practical proposals that improve sustainability, accessibility, wellbeing, inclusivity and social interaction while creating vibrant public spaces that enhance residents’ quality of life.

A panel of government officials and international experts will evaluate the submissions, with members of the public also getting the opportunity to help choose the winning designs.

Dh200,000 prize pool

The competition offers cash prizes for the top three entries:

• First prize: Dh100,000
• Second prize: Dh65,000
• Third prize: Dh35,000

Applications are open until August 15, through Dubai Municipality’s official competition platform (https://aipark.dm.gov.ae/ai-competition).

The initiative reflects Dubai’s wider ambition to position itself as a global leader in AI, innovation and smart urban development by combining emerging technologies with human creativity to shape the cities of the future.

Motorists travelling through Sharjah’s industrial district should prepare for temporary road closures over the next two months.

The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has announced a traffic diversion between Industrial Area 12 and Industrial Area 13 as part of road maintenance and infrastructure upgrade works to improve traffic flow and enhance the emirate’s road network.

The diversion will be in place from Tuesday, June 30, until Sunday, August 30, with drivers required to use the approved alternative routes during construction.

SRTA said the project is designed to improve the efficiency of the road network and ease traffic movement in the area once the works are completed.

The authority has urged motorists to follow the designated diversion routes, obey traffic signs and adhere to road safety instructions to help ensure smooth traffic flow and minimise delays.

Drivers travelling through the area are advised to plan their journeys and allow extra travel time, particularly during peak hours.