Dubai Launches Digital Twin Platform to Boost Smart City Growth

Dubai has taken another major step in its digital transformation journey with the launch of the Dubai Digital Twin Platform, a new initiative designed to improve urban planning, infrastructure management and data-driven decision-making across the emirate.

The platform was launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The launch took place during the 'Partners in Building the Digital Twin' workshop organised by Dubai Municipality.

The event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, along with His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications.

Platform Supports Dubai's Future Vision

Sheikh Hamdan said the Dubai Digital Twin Platform reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to use advanced technologies and data to build a smarter, more sustainable and future-ready city.

He said the project strengthens Dubai's position as a global leader in digital transformation and future planning while supporting the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and improving the emirate's international competitiveness.

Sheikh Hamdan Highlights Importance of Advanced Technology

Speaking during the launch, 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."

He added:

"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."

Focus on Government and Private Sector Collaboration

Sheikh Hamdan said the Digital Twin project demonstrates Dubai's approach of bringing together government organisations and private sector partners to develop innovative technologies that improve public services, increase operational efficiency and enhance the quality of life for residents.

During the workshop, he reviewed the objectives of the project's next phase and examined its practical uses in urban planning, infrastructure management, asset management, rainfall simulation and digital tools that support decision-making while improving Dubai's readiness for future challenges.

More Than 195,000 Buildings Digitally Modelled

Officials also presented the achievements of the third phase of the project.

During this phase, detailed 3D models of more than 195,000 buildings across Dubai were created using advanced standards. These digital models are intended to strengthen urban planning capabilities and support Dubai's development as a smart and sustainable city.

New Partnerships Signed for Next Phase

Sheikh Hamdan also witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Dubai Municipality, Al-Futtaim Group and Huawei.

The agreements will support the next stage of the Dubai Digital Twin ecosystem by expanding cooperation in Digital Twin technologies, research, future foresight and practical applications. The partnerships will also help increase the platform's use in urban planning, infrastructure, operations, asset management and data-based decision-making.

Dubai Municipality Highlights Strategic Achievement

His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, described the completion of the Digital Twin project as an important milestone in Dubai's efforts to build a smarter and more sustainable city.

He said the project reflects the leadership's vision of using advanced technologies and data to improve government services, increase the efficiency of infrastructure and asset management, and enhance residents' quality of life. He also noted that the achievement was made possible through cooperation between government entities and strategic partners.

Digital Twin Creates Unified Data Platform

Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the Digital Twin provides a unified digital platform that combines spatial and operational data.

According to her, the system allows future scenarios to be simulated and analysed, helping authorities make better and faster decisions. She added that the next phase will focus on increasing integration with partners and making greater use of data across key sectors throughout Dubai.

Comprehensive Digital Replica of Dubai

The Dubai Digital Twin Platform serves as a detailed virtual representation of the emirate, bringing together information on infrastructure, buildings, residential units, landmarks, facilities and master plans. The data is updated continuously to ensure accuracy, reliability and consistency.

The project supports Dubai's long-term vision of using advanced technology to improve government services, strengthen urban planning and enhance the overall quality of life while reinforcing the city's global leadership in smart and sustainable development.

As part of the third phase, Dubai Municipality also converted more than 280,000 infrastructure assets and over 330,000 public facilities and assets into 3D models.

The platform now includes more than 1,500 geospatial data layers and over 100 two-dimensional and three-dimensional applications, providing digital support for a wide range of sectors across Dubai.