New AI-powered platform features 195,000 3D building models to advance smart planning and future readiness
Dubai: His Highness 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, witnessed the launch of the Integrated Digital Twin Platform for Dubai, marking a major milestone in the emirate’s digital transformation journey.
The launch took place during the “Partners in Building the Digital Twin” workshop organised by Dubai Municipality, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Hamdan said the Digital Twin project embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to leverage advanced technology and data to build a smarter, more sustainable and future-ready city.
He said: “The Digital Twin project reflects Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision of utilising advanced technology and data to build a city that is more prepared for the future, enhance planning and decision-making efficiency, and improve quality of life. It represents a new strategic milestone in Dubai’s journey to consolidate its position as the best city to live, work and invest in, and a global model for innovation and digital transformation.”
Sheikh Hamdan added that Dubai continues to build an integrated digital ecosystem based on data integration, artificial intelligence and public-private partnerships to accelerate innovative solutions, strengthen future readiness, reinforce global leadership in smart cities and support a knowledge-based economy.
During the workshop, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the next phase of the project and its practical applications in areas including urban planning, infrastructure and asset management, rainfall simulation, building evacuation scenarios and data-driven decision-making tools.
He also reviewed the outcomes of the third phase of the project, which saw more than 195,000 buildings across Dubai transformed into innovative three-dimensional digital models, enhancing the emirate’s capabilities in urban modelling and smart city development.
Strategic partnerships
Sheikh Hamdan also witnessed the signing of two strategic memoranda of understanding between Dubai Municipality and Al-Futtaim Group and Huawei.
The agreements aim to support the next phase of the Digital Twin project through enhanced data exchange, greater institutional integration and expanded applications across multiple sectors, supporting smart urban planning, more efficient city management and data-driven decision-making.
Integrated digital model
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said the platform represents a significant step towards building a smarter and more sustainable city, reflecting Dubai’s vision of using advanced technologies and data to improve government services, infrastructure management and quality of life.
Mariam Al Muhairi, Chief Executive Officer of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the next stage will focus on expanding integration with partners, maximising data utilisation and developing new applications that support vital sectors and enhance decision-making efficiency.
The Digital Twin project is one of Dubai’s most significant transformational initiatives, providing a comprehensive digital model of the emirate by integrating spatial and operational data from multiple entities into a unified platform.
The platform includes:
More than 195,000 3D building modelsOver 280,000 infrastructure network elementsMore than 330,000 facilities and assetsOver 1,500 geospatial data layersMore than 100 two-dimensional and three-dimensional applications
The initiative further strengthens Dubai’s global leadership in harnessing data, innovation and advanced technologies to build the cities of the future and enhance quality of life.
