Inside Dubai 10X’s mission to create the world’s most innovative city

Dubai’s transformation from a trading port to a global business hub has been driven by diversification, strategic investments, and innovation. The coming years will see this trend intensify, with key industries such as tourism, technology, real estate, and green energy playing pivotal roles.

A Hub for Innovation and Technology

With the launch of Dubai 10X, a programme designed to encourage government entities to adopt futuristic technologies, the city is embracing artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). By 2025, Dubai aims to become a world leader in AI, leveraging this technology to improve everything from government services to healthcare. In 2023, Dubai launched its Dubai Metaverse Strategy, which sets the goal of creating 40,000 virtual jobs by 2030, exhibiting its commitment to the burgeoning virtual economy.

Diversifying Tourism and Real Estate

Tourism, a cornerstone of Dubai’s economy, is on track to see even more growth in the coming years. Dubai welcomed over 18.72 million international visitors in 2024, a 9% increase over 2023. The ease of visa, a year-round events calendar, and the annual Arabian Travel Mart make the city a tourism paradise. Dubai has set its sights on welcoming 25 million visitors annually to become the most visited city in the world.

The Dubai Land Department reports a robust real estate market outlook for 2025, noting a 29% surge in sales during the first quarter alone. Big-ticket investments include Burj Jumeirah, Dubai Creek Harbour, Al Jaddaf, and Dubai South, with a high demand for residential projects and waterfront villas among expatriates and high-net-worth individuals.

Tourism, a cornerstone of Dubai’s economy, is on track to see even more growth in the coming years. Dubai welcomed over 18.72 million international visitors in 2024, a 9% increase over 2023

Sustainability and Green Energy

Dubai is also placing significant emphasis on sustainable development, with an eye toward green energy solutions. By 2050, the emirate aims for 75% of its energy to come from clean sources as part of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy. The green economy, clean energy, and environmentally friendly building capacities are the key focus areas for Dubai’s smart future.

Major projects such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park were built with an investment of AED 50 billion, which, once fully operational by 2030, will be the largest single-site solar park in the world with a 5,000 MW capacity. This shift supports Dubai’s sustainability goals and reinforces its commitment to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

Dubai’s economic outlook for 2025 and beyond remains promising, driven by its focus on innovation, diversification, and sustainability. By capitalising on emerging technologies, expanding its tourism and real estate sectors, and spearheading green energy initiatives, Dubai is poised to maintain its status as one of the world’s most dynamic and forward-thinking economies.