Dubai Municipality has launched a global challenge to construct the world’s first residential villa built entirely using robotic construction systems, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global testbed for advanced building technologies.

The project will be delivered by a consortium of more than 25 local and international technology companies and academic institutions, led by Dubai Municipality. Officials say the initiative aims to develop scalable, next-generation construction models that boost productivity, sustainability, and quality.

The announcement was made during the launch of 04 ConTech Valley, Dubai’s new Construction Innovation and Research Centre, developed in partnership with Expo City Dubai.

Global ConTech Momentum

At the event, Dubai Municipality also unveiled the Global ConTech Report, which projects that global construction technology investment will exceed $30 billion by 2033, growing at 17.5% annually.

Key findings highlight:

• Labour shortages are a major global challenge
• Rising investment in robotics and additive manufacturing
• Rapid adoption of AI, robotics, prefabrication, and infrastructure technologies

Building a Stronger Innovation Ecosystem

Dubai Municipality also launched the ConTech Working Group, in collaboration with Dubai Chambers, bringing together government, developers, contractors, investors, researchers, and tech firms to accelerate innovation across the sector.

70–70 Strategy for 2030

Dubai also launched the 70–70 Strategy, aiming to shift 70% of construction to off-site manufacturing and achieve 70% factory automation by 2030, driving higher efficiency and sustainability.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially launched DIFC Zabeel District, a landmark expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) set to significantly strengthen Dubai’s position as a global financial powerhouse.

Located next to the existing DIFC Gate District, the development is the largest demand-led financial centre expansion in the region, spanning 7.1 million sq. ft with a total gross floor area of 17.7 million sq. ft. The project’s estimated gross development value exceeds Dh100 billion.

A Bold Vision for Business and Lifestyle

Sheikh Mohammed said the launch reflects Dubai’s future-focused approach to development — one that integrates business excellence with quality of life, reinforcing the emirate’s appeal to global talent and investors.

“Dubai does not wait for change, we make it,” he said, adding that DIFC Zabeel District will play a central role in advancing Dubai’s financial sector both locally and globally.

Once completed, the expansion will enable DIFC to accommodate:

• Over 42,000 companies
• More than 125,000 professionals
• Over 1 million sq. ft dedicated to future technologies and artificial intelligence

Building a Comprehensive Financial Ecosystem

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of DIFC, described the project as a major step toward building a fully integrated financial ecosystem aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double Dubai’s economy by 2033.

The expansion is designed to support the rapid growth of global financial services and technology firms, while maintaining an agile, world-class regulatory environment.

Innovation, AI, and Education at the Core

The DIFC Zabeel District will feature:

• The world’s largest innovation hub
• The world’s first purpose-built AI Campus
• Facilities designed for 6,000 businesses and 30,000 tech professionals
• A Gaming & Immersive Technologies Hub supporting next-generation digital industries

Education will also be a key pillar. In line with Education 33 (E33), DIFC aims to become a leading hub for higher education. The DIFC Academy will expand ten-fold, creating capacity for 50,000 learners annually.

Culture, Community, and Sustainable Design

The development will also include:

• A first-of-its-kind art pavilion
• Commercial and residential spaces
• Hotels, retail outlets, and a conference centre
• Green open spaces promoting wellbeing and biodiversity

Connected to the existing DIFC by a signature bridge, the new district will seamlessly extend DIFC’s urban landscape, prioritising walkability, wellness, and future-ready transport solutions.

Timeline

• Development will be delivered in six phases
• First phase construction is already underway
• Public access expected by 2030
• Full masterplan completion targeted for 2040

DIFC Zabeel District is set to redefine financial services across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, positioning Dubai at the forefront of the next era of global finance.

Dubai has announced plans to build the world’s first “Gold Street”, a street constructed using gold, as part of the newly launched Dubai Gold District, a major new destination celebrating the emirate’s legacy as a global gold hub.

The announcement was made by Ithra Dubai, with further details about the Gold Street set to be revealed in phases.

Dubai’s New ‘Home of Gold’

Branded as Dubai’s new “Home of Gold,” the Dubai Gold District is designed as a one-stop destination for gold and jewellery, bringing together retail, bullion, wholesale trade, and investment under one roof.

The district already features more than 1,000 retailers across gold, jewellery, perfumes, cosmetics, and lifestyle sectors. Established brands such as Jawhara Jewellery, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Al Romaizan, and Tanishq are already present, while Joyalukkas has announced plans for a 24,000-square-foot flagship store, set to be its largest in the Middle East.

Boosting Tourism and Retail

The Dubai Gold District is also set to become a tourist-friendly shopping destination, supported by over 1,000 hotel rooms across six hotels, offering convenient access for international visitors, buyers, and trade partners.

To further enhance accessibility, Big Bus tourist routes were introduced in 2025, strengthening the district’s appeal as a must-visit stop for gold and jewellery shopping in Dubai.

Strengthening Global Gold Leadership

The launch comes as the UAE continues to reinforce its position in the global gold market. Between 2024 and 2025, the country exported approximately $53.41 billion worth of gold, trading heavily with Switzerland, the UK, India, Hong Kong, and Turkey, making the UAE the world’s second-largest physical gold trading destination.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, described the Dubai Gold District as a pivotal milestone for global trade, offering investors and market participants direct access to one of the world’s most active and trusted gold trading hubs.

Officials said the district brings together heritage, scale, innovation, and sustainability, celebrating Dubai’s historic relationship with gold while shaping its future as a global centre for precious metals.