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City of innovation

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Visionary plans

Known for its progressive outlook, Dubai nurtures an environment conducive to innovation and business models geared for the future. The metropolis is home to a vibrant network of startup incubators and accelerators, alongside regulatory sandbox initiatives designed to facilitate the creation and testing of cutting-edge tech business models. Dubai holds the top spot globally for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and facilitating technology transfer, particularly in the AI and robotics sectors. The emirate is guided by a forward-looking government agenda that transforms it into a real-world testing ground for experimental concepts, including advancements in Hyperloop technologies and manned flying transport.

 
 

Facilitating innovation

Dubai is shaping an enabling ecosystem to allow businesses across sectors to innovate. It has underlined this ambition with a raft of futuristic long-term strategies, across AI, blockchain, 3D printing and Internet of Things (IoT).

Smart Dubai continues to work to transform Dubai into a smart city and becoming the intelligent, responsive and personalised city of the future. Since its inception, the Smart Dubai Office has launched over 130 initiatives in partnership with government and private sector entities.

Blockchain

The Dubai Blockchain Strategy 2020 is one of the many initiatives with 24 Blockchain use cases currently implemented across eight key industry sectors including finance, education, real estate and more.

24%
Growth in the blockchain market in 2018

Growth in the blockchain market in Dubai surpasses the global average of 19%.

100+ Blockchain businesses

Over 1000 blockchain businesses are set up in Dubai as of 2020.

Smart Dubai

Smart Dubai 2021 set out a roadmap to transform Dubai into an intelligent, responsive and personalised city of the future.

Dubai Future Foundation

The Dubai Future Foundation aims to support the advancement of the city through a series of initiatives. The four Dubai Future Labs, launched in 2019 with the aim of driving enterprise and innovation in the emirate, are further evidence of a city determined to give priority to being at the global forefront of technology and science. Dubai Future Accelerators, extends entrepreneurs from around the world opportunities to collaborate with Dubai-based government entities as well as industry giants in a rotating 9-week programme.

The Foundation is also home to the region’s first Affiliate Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution, in partnership with the World Economic Forum and focuses on developing policies that support the development of next generation technologies including Precision Medicine, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology.

3D Printing

The city’s 3D printing agenda was launched to position Dubai as a hub for 3D printing technology. It focuses on three major sectors, namely construction, medical products and consumer products. Around 25% of the emirate’s buildings are expected to be 3D printed by 2030 under this ambitious programme.

Dubai also continues to drive the innovation agenda through forward thinking pursuits and the development of exponential thinking.

City of innovation

The Global Innovation Index, GII, ranked UAE among the top 3 innovation economies in the Northern Africa and Western Asia region and 36th globally.

Dubai is also ranked in the top 20 of the most innovative cities in the world. Although Dubai is in its infancy compared to other global cities, the emirate reached an impressive 16th position out of 28 cities.

The emirate was noted as being especially strong in the field of output and performance, with the launch of new products and services and outputs of technology. It also scored well in government support and building the culture of innovation.

Powered by tomorrow’s thinking

A spirit of creativity and innovation can be found across every sector of Dubai’s diversified economy. It allows the city to embrace new ideas and adopt technologies in support of its strategy to build an improved and sustainable blueprint for modern cities. Its agile regulatory framework allows it to be continually looking forward. These factors combined, continue to build an environment where creators and innovators are inspired and enabled.

Global hub for business growth

Dubai is building smart, hyper-connected infrastructure to help drive the innovation agenda and ensure Dubai delivers sustained growth, resilient to global volatilities. Backed by committed investment in key growth sectors and smart city development, Dubai seeks to consistently be ranked in the top five global centres for trade, logistics, tourism and finance.

Frequently asked questions

The “City of Innovation” initiative in Dubai aims to position the city as a global hub for innovation and technological advancement, fostering economic growth and enhancing its competitiveness on the world stage.

Dubai supports innovation through various initiatives such as dedicated free zones, research and development centers, funding programs, and partnerships with leading global companies. Additionally, the government provides a conducive regulatory environment and invests in infrastructure to facilitate innovation.

Dubai’s innovation efforts span across a wide range of sectors including technology, healthcare, renewable energy, transportation, finance, tourism, and more. The city embraces innovation in both traditional industries and emerging sectors to drive sustainable growth and diversification.

Yes, Dubai offers various incentives and programs to support innovation, including grants, subsidies, tax exemptions, access to state-of-the-art facilities, networking opportunities, and partnerships with leading research institutions. Additionally, the government regularly hosts innovation challenges and competitions to encourage creativity and entrepreneurship.