The Dubai Metaverse Strategy aims to turn Dubai into one of the world’s top 10 metaverse economies. By 2030, it plans to create over 40,000 virtual jobs in the metaverse and blockchain sectors.

Digital Dubai, the governmental entity responsible for managing Dubai’s information technology, data, digital transformation and cyber-security, has introduced AI-focused initiatives such as the Ethical AI Toolkit and AI Lab.

Dubai nurtures a thriving tech ecosystem, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in technology and ICT (Information and Communications Technology). With its commitment to initiatives like the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the city aims to become a premier hub for tech companies by 2033. Dubai's strategic positioning as a gateway to emerging markets in the Middle East, South Asia and Africa with a combined GDP of US$7.7 trillion (AED28.28 trillion) offers easy access to high-potential economies.

Strong technology ecosystem

A pro-business economy

Low taxes and prime location to global markets.

Outstanding infrastructure

24/7 integrated and secure digital services.

Supportive tech ecosystem

Vast network of incubators and accelerators.

Highly skilled workforce

A workforce that is both talented and diverse.

Global hub for technology

Q: Dubai Future Foundation (DFF)

The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) serves as an ecosystem nurturing accelerator programmes, incubators, labs and regulatory sandboxes.

Q: Dubai Digital Authority

Oversee's the implementation of policies and strategies that govern all matters related to Dubai’s information technology, data, digital transformation and cyber-security.

Q: Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme

Crafted to accelerate the development, testing and widespread adoption of robotics and automation technologies, this programme to contribute substantially to Dubai's GDP while enhancing efficiency across diverse sectors.

As the region’s preferred innovation hub, Dubai is home to more than 2,300 technology companies. Digital and tech firms can test and market new products and technologies thanks to initiatives like Sandbox Dubai, a founder-focused start-up programme launched under D33. The sector is enhanced by the presence of global players like Meta, Microsoft, Google, IBM, Apple, Cisco, Tata Consultancy Services and Amazon. The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy aims to further strengthen this dynamic ecosystem by attracting 300 new start-ups to the city by 2024.

Forefront of digital transformation

Dubai’s journey to becoming a leading digital destination started over two decades ago. Today, it stands as the most digitally advanced economy in the region and ranks among the world's top 20 cities in terms of digitalisation. For five consecutive years, the UAE has been recognized among the 20 most digitally competitive nations.

Future-ready programmes

The Dubai Future Foundation initiative, with its focus on driving innovation, nurturing futuristic projects and advancing technological progress to mould the city's future, acts as a platform facilitating various initiatives such as Dubai Future Labs, the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme and Dubai 10X.

Booming telecom and ICT landscape

The ICT sector has witnessed strong year-on-year growth, showcasing the telecommunications market’s incredible potential for foreign companies and investors. ICT spending in the UAE is driven by increasing digitalisation and the adoption of leading technologies such as cloud, big data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). Leading national telecom companies Etisalat and Du are investing in research and development to provide world-class, 5G-enabled services. Companies operating here can leverage world-class infrastructure powered by 4,000 km of fibre optic cables and a smart grid to offer customers 24/7 integrated, connected and secure digital services.

Investing in new technologies

Dubai's journey towards digitalisation began over two decades ago, marked by pioneering e-government initiatives such as the Smart Government programme. Since then, the city has embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation, eliminating paper transactions since 2021.This evolution has been fueled by strategic government initiatives to drive technological adoption and innovation.

Leveraging cloud and data centre demand

Dubai has the largest data centre ecosystem in the UAE, with 18 colocation data centers, 237 cloud service providers and 18 network fabric providers. The rapid adoption of cloud technology is projected to contribute an estimated $181 billion (AED664.79 billion) in economic value to the UAE over the next decade. Global players such as Equinix are expanding their presence, with SAP, AWS and Microsoft already operating data centres in the city.

Government initiatives driving tech adoption

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF)

Metaverse Strategy

Dubai Digital Authority

Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme

World-class support for entrepreneurs and start-ups

Dubai's vibrant and diverse start-up ecosystem makes it a hotbed of entrepreneurship, hosting 40% of the region's scale-ups and 90% of those in the UAE. Between 2010 and 2022, business ventures raised more than US$11.7 billion (AED43 billion) in financing, accounting for 60% of the region's total funding.

Driving progress via innovation and investment

Dubai fosters a vibrant tech ecosystem, propelling advancements across various sectors. The city solidifies its regional fintech leadership, with DIFC-based companies attracting over US$615 million (AED2.26 billion) in 2022, marking it the fastest-growing industry. Projections indicate UAE fintech funding will reach US$2.8 billion (AED10.28 billion) by 2028, offering lucrative opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.

Tech-savvy talent ecosystem

Dubai ranks amongst the top 15 cities worldwide when it comes to its tech workforce, thanks to strong infrastructure, attractive salaries and availability of tech jobs. It also leads the Arab world for talent competitiveness, providing a dynamic workforce for both homegrown and global tech firms to leverage. Training talent for the jobs of the future is one of the key objectives of The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031.