Hamdan bin Mohammed approves initiatives to boost startups, tech talent, and innovation

Photo : Dubai government media office

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, has endorsed a new set of projects and initiatives to boost the growth of startups, nurture local talent, and promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the UAE.

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These initiatives align with the UAE’s broader development goals, positioning the nation as a global hub for future industries. By focusing on the development of local talent, enhancing opportunities in the digital sector, and fostering economic growth, they aim to propel the country towards sustainable progress in various fields.

The new initiatives are also designed to strengthen Dubai’s status as a leader in innovation and technology, while supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double the city’s GDP by 2033 and solidify its place among the world’s top three urban economies.

Sheikh Hamdan approved these projects during a meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, where he reviewed a report outlining the progress of previous initiatives and the committee's plans for future projects. During the meeting, His Highness emphasized the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global leader in technology and the digital economy, in line with the vision of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan stressed that Dubai’s strategies are not only designed to keep pace with global technological advancements but also to lead these developments. He noted, “Our strategies are not just about catching up; they are about setting the pace.” He further added, "The initiatives we are launching today will build a robust, sustainable digital economy that aligns with the UAE’s ambitious vision. We believe that the future belongs to those who create it today, not tomorrow."

One of the key approved initiatives is the *Government Venture Building Program*, which aims to foster innovation by transforming government assets into commercial ventures. This initiative encourages government entities to develop new products and services through strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration between the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and the Dubai Campus for Artificial Intelligence, which aims to accelerate the UAE's commercial space market.

Another major project is the *National Tech Skills Enhancement Program*, which will train 5,000 Emiratis over the next five years in advanced technological fields. This program focuses on preparing fourth-year university students for private sector employment by equipping them with critical skills in digital technologies. This initiative also addresses the gap between academic knowledge and the technical skills required in the job market, thereby supporting the long-term sustainability of Dubai's digital economy.

Additionally, the *IGNYTE digital platform* will serve as a key tool for empowering startups and entrepreneurs in Dubai. This platform is designed to support the growth of 100,000 startups by 2029 by connecting them with investors, mentors, and corporate partners. IGNYTE will play a pivotal role in the Dubai Digital Economy Strategy, offering exclusive benefits and resources to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful ventures.

In the field of urban management, the *CleanScape Project* was introduced as a forward-looking initiative designed to maintain Dubai's aesthetic appeal through advanced data-driven technologies. In collaboration with the MIT Senseable City Lab, this project will use computer vision and other analytical tools to assess and manage urban spaces efficiently, ensuring a sustainable approach to city planning.

During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on the results achieved by the *Dubai AI Campus*, which attracted 130 startups within five months of its launch, further cementing Dubai's leadership in AI technologies. Additionally, the *Expand North Star* event, organized by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, saw participation from numerous entrepreneurs and investors, solidifying Dubai’s role as a global hub for startups.

Sheikh Hamdan urged government teams to accelerate the implementation of these projects, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and coordination among all government entities to ensure Dubai continues to lead in innovation and technology.

The Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan, plays a critical role in shaping the future of Dubai’s digital economy. The committee is tasked with developing strategies and policies for future technologies, including AI, blockchain, virtual reality, and the metaverse. Through its efforts, Dubai aims to become a global leader in digital transformation and future technologies.