Dubai opens Urban Think Tank & Design Lab for future cities

Dubai Municipality has announced the launch of the Urban Think Tank & Design Lab (D.M-U.Lab), a new platform dedicated to shaping the cities of the future. The lab will focus on creative ideas, advanced technology, and community participation to improve urban design and planning. The announcement was made during a grand ceremony at the Museum of the Future, with the presence of government leaders, real estate developers, architects, academics, and international experts.

The initiative is seen as a new milestone that highlights Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global hub for innovation, creativity, and people-focused city planning.

Her Highness Highlights Dubai’s Vision

The launch was witnessed by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. She praised Dubai’s journey of development and noted that the city has become a true example of how urban planning can prepare for the future.

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She explained that Dubai’s progress is guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. His goal is for Dubai to be the best city in the world to visit, live, and work.

Her Highness said:

• The cities of the future must be innovative and regenerative, putting people at the centre of design.

• By using advanced technology and artificial intelligence, cities can become more resilient and able to adapt to global challenges.

• Dubai’s commitment is always towards improving quality of life, happiness, and well-being for residents and visitors.

She added that the Urban Think Tank & Design Lab is a pioneering model that will allow new ideas to turn into real projects with meaningful impact.

Purpose of the Design Lab

The new Lab introduces a modern approach to setting standards in city planning and urban renewal. It will work on projects that focus on:

• Making cities more human-centred.

• Using technology for better planning.

• Engaging community members, researchers, and developers in city design.

• Building prototypes and testing new ideas before implementing them on a larger scale.

This approach ensures that people remain at the heart of urban development, while also preparing Dubai for the future.

Statement from Dubai Municipality

His Excellency Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, shared the Lab’s goals. He said the initiative will:

• Bring together experts, thinkers, and researchers from both public and private sectors.

• Use advanced technologies and AI in urban planning.

• Attract international architects and partners for knowledge exchange.

• Strengthen community dialogue so that residents’ needs are at the centre of planning.

He added that the Lab will provide an integrated environment to set new urban standards, test innovative ideas, and launch collaborative projects.

Special Panel Discussions

The launch event also included important panel discussions under the theme “Dubai; A Human-Centred City: Designing Vibrant Future Communities Through Participatory Design.”

Speakers included:

• Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority.

• His Excellency Saeed Al Eter, Director General of The Executive Office.

• Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture.

• His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation.

The panel focused on the value of participatory design, which means involving residents, experts, and community leaders in shaping the future of Dubai.

Urban Renewal Project – First Step of the Lab

One of the Lab’s first big tasks is a project that will renew older residential areas in Dubai. This project is especially important as it aims to:

• Revive neighbourhoods where Dubai’s story first began.

• Preserve the identity and culture of these areas.

• Transform them into modern, sustainable, and people-centred communities.

This renewal is expected to bring new life to old districts while maintaining their cultural soul.

Ten Strategic Partnerships

At the launch, Dubai Municipality signed ten important strategic partnerships. These partnerships form a strong network that will help the Lab succeed. The partners fall into three groups:

1. Government Partners

   • Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) will work on joint projects, provide a dedicated space for the Lab, and offer testing sites at Dubai Silicon Oasis.

   • Great Arab Minds will help bring award-winning talents into Dubai’s municipal projects.

   • Global consultancy firm Foster + Partners will support knowledge exchange with international experts.

2. Real Estate Developers

   • Big developers such as Emaar, Dubai Holding, Wasl, Sobha Realty, and Binghatti Holding will join hands with Dubai Municipality to apply their expertise in urban renewal and planning.

   • They will work on reviving old residential areas and creating high-quality communities.

3. Universities

   • The American University of Sharjah and the University of Birmingham Dubai will bring academics and students into the Lab’s projects.

   • Research and new findings will be directly applied to urban development.

   • Students will get the chance to participate in real projects, linking education with practical experience.

Key Focus Areas of the Lab

The Urban Think Tank & Design Lab will focus on several important areas, such as:

• Urban Innovation and Experimentation: Testing new ideas, technologies, and design methods.

• Knowledge Exchange: Partnering with international universities, architects, and researchers.

• Collaborative Design: Encouraging government, private companies, and the community to co-create city spaces.

• Public Participation: Involving people directly in designing neighbourhoods, public spaces, and services.

• Technology Integration: Using AI, digital simulations, and digital twin technology to improve urban planning.

Community-Centred Design

At the heart of the Lab is the belief that cities should be built for people. Through open dialogues, workshops, and community meetings, residents will have a real voice in shaping their neighbourhoods.

The goal is to create:

• Better public spaces where people can connect.

• Stronger communities that reflect cultural identity.

• Sustainable urban living aligned with global environmental goals.

The launch of the Urban Think Tank & Design Lab marks an important step in Dubai’s journey to become a world leader in future city design. With strong leadership, global partnerships, and community participation, the Lab will not only set new urban standards but also create vibrant, sustainable, and people-first communities.

This initiative shows that Dubai is not only planning for the present but also preparing for a future where cities are smarter, more sustainable, and truly centred on people’s happiness and well-being.

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