Dubai has unveiled an AI-powered virtual replica of the emirate, digitally recreating more than 195,000 buildings, 280,000 infrastructure assets and 330,000 public facilities in one of its biggest smart city initiatives to date.
The new Dubai Digital Twin Platform is designed to help government entities simulate future scenarios, improve urban planning, manage infrastructure more efficiently and support faster, data-driven decision-making as Dubai continues its push to become one of the world’s leading digital cities.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, attended the launch of the platform during the ‘Partners in Building the Digital Twin’ workshop organised by Dubai Municipality.
The launch took place in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
Among those attending was Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications.
What is Dubai’s Digital Twin?
The Dubai Digital Twin Platform is an accurate virtual replica of the emirate, bringing together continuously updated information covering:
- Buildings
- Residential units
- Infrastructure
- Public facilities
- Landmarks
- Master plans
The integrated platform enables government entities to analyse data, simulate future scenarios and support planning across sectors including urban development, infrastructure, asset management and rainfall simulation.
Dubai Municipality said the project reflects the emirate’s vision of using advanced technologies and data to build a smarter and more sustainable city while improving service efficiency and quality of life.
195,000 Dubai buildings recreated in 3D
The latest phase of the project has significantly expanded the scale of the digital model.
Municipality data said the third phase has delivered:
- More than 195,000 buildings converted into 3D models
- More than 280,000 infrastructure assets converted into 3D models
- More than 330,000 public facilities and assets converted into 3D models
- More than 1,500 geospatial data layers
- More than 100 two-dimensional and three-dimensional applications supporting multiple sectors
Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed the next phase of the project, including practical applications supporting urban planning, infrastructure and asset management, rainfall simulation and digital tools designed to strengthen decision-making and improve Dubai’s readiness for future scenarios.
During the event, Sheikh Hamdan witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the Municipality, Al-Futtaim Group and Huawei.
The agreements will support the next phase of the Digital Twin ecosystem through collaboration in Digital Twin technologies, research and future foresight, while expanding practical applications across urban planning, infrastructure, operations, asset management and data-driven decision-making.
Sheikh Hamdan: A strategic milestone
Sheikh Hamdan said: “The Dubai Digital Twin Project reflects His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision of leveraging advanced technology and data to build a city that is better prepared for the future, while enhancing planning efficiency, informed decision-making, and quality of life.
“It marks a new strategic milestone in Dubai’s journey to strengthen its position as the world’s best city to live, work, and invest in, and as a global model for innovation and digital transformation.
“We continue to build an integrated digital ecosystem based on data integration, artificial intelligence, and high-impact partnerships between the public and private sectors. This will accelerate the development of innovative solutions that enhance Dubai’s readiness for future changes, reinforce its global leadership in smart cities and digital transformation, and support a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy aligned with Dubai’s ambitions for the years and decades ahead.”
Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of the Municipality, said: “The completion of the Digital Twin project represents a strategic milestone in Dubai’s journey towards building a smarter and more sustainable city. It embodies the leadership’s vision of leveraging advanced technologies and data to enhance government services, improve the efficiency of asset and infrastructure management, and elevate the quality of life.
“This achievement is the result of integration and collaboration among various government entities and strategic partners.”
Mapping Dubai in 3D
Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at the Municipality, said: “The Digital Twin provides a comprehensive digital environment that unifies spatial and operational data within a single platform, enabling the simulation and analysis of future scenarios and supporting more efficient decision-making. The next phase will focus on expanding integration with partners and maximising the use of data to support vital sectors across the emirate.”
The Municipality said the Digital Twin Platform will continue evolving through continuous data updates, helping improve government services, infrastructure management and future planning while supporting the objectives of the Economic Agenda, D33.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Will Milner
Dieser Artikel ist neu veröffentlicht von / This article is republished from: Arabian Business, 03.07.2026
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