HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, has approved a series of new projects and initiatives to support startups, build national talent and advance innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE.
The projects align with the UAE’s development objectives and reinforce Dubai’s position as a hub for future industries. They aim to build Emirati capabilities, foster growth in the digital economy and open new opportunities for economic progress across multiple sectors.
During the Higher Committee for Future Technology Development and Digital Economy meeting, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed a report outlining the progress of previous projects and upcoming plans. He reiterated Dubai’s commitment to a strategic approach that follows global developments and seeks to lead them. “Our strategies in Dubai are not merely aimed at keeping pace with global developments, but also on leading them,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “The projects we are launching today will contribute to building a strong, sustainable digital economy that fulfils our vision and aligns with the aspirations of the Emirati people to achieve the highest levels of excellence.”
The newly approved projects include the Government Venture Building Program, the National Tech Skills Enhancement Program, the IGNYTE platform for startups, and CleanScape, a technology-driven urban management initiative.
Government Venture Building Program
The Government Venture Building Program will transform government assets into commercial ventures and develop national projects through strategic partnerships. The first phase includes collaboration between the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and the Dubai Campus for Artificial Intelligence to accelerate the UAE’s commercial space market growth through ‘Space Labs for Earth’. Projects approved in the first phase also include the development of AI-based solutions by Dubai Campus for Artificial Intelligence in collaboration with Dubai Civil Defence to enhance public safety and emergency response.
National Tech Skills Enhancement Program
The National Tech Skills Enhancement Program will train 5,000 Emiratis in future technologies over the next five years, preparing them for roles in the private sector. It seeks to bridge the gap between academic education and the technical job market, providing training to help local talent contribute to Dubai’s digital economy.
It offers mentorship and support to boost the employment prospects of local talent in technical fields, enhance their contribution to building Dubai’s digital economy, and ensure the sustainability of the emirate’s digital transformation.
IGNYTE platform
The IGNYTE platform aims to empower over 100,000 startups and entrepreneurs by 2029 by connecting them with investors, mentors, and corporate partners. The platform will offer exclusive benefits and opportunities to help entrepreneurs grow their ventures globally.
To maximise the benefits for startups joining the platform, the platform aims to significantly expand its offerings by 2029 by attracting 5,000 venture capital firms (VCs) and investors, 5,000 vetted mentors and experts, over 500 corporate and government partners, and 5,000 exclusive perks. These perks will collectively help startups save more than $100 million.
The first phase of the platform will be launched in Dubai in the fourth quarter of 2024, expanding to the UAE in the first quarter of 2026 and to the GCC in the second quarter of the same year.
CleanScape Project
The CleanScape Project will enhance urban management in Dubai using data-driven technologies. It will combine traditional methods with modern tools like computer vision to improve operational efficiency and urban sustainability.
During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on the progress of the Dubai AI Campus and the Expand North Star event, which attracted significant participation from startups and investors. He urged Dubai government teams to accelerate further the approved projects’ implementation to strengthen Dubai’s leadership in innovation and technology.
“Building a strong and sustainable digital economy requires us to invest in our young people, as they are the driving force behind realising Dubai’s ambitious vision,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
