Dubai launches AI-powered digital twin spanning 195,000 buildings and 280,000 infrastructure assets

Dubai has launched an AI-powered digital twin of the emirate, creating a comprehensive virtual replica of its built environment as part of one of its largest smart city initiatives to date.

The 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 the emirate advances its digital transformation agenda.

The platform was unveiled during the ‘Partners in Building the Digital Twin’ workshop organized by Dubai Municipality and attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications. 

The digital model brings together continuously updated geospatial and operational data covering more than 195,000 buildings, 280,000 infrastructure assets and 330,000 public facilities, alongside residential units, landmarks and master plans. 

According to Dubai Municipality, the integrated platform enables government agencies to analyze data, model future scenarios and support planning across areas including urban development, infrastructure management, asset maintenance and rainfall simulation.

The third phase of the project also incorporates more than 1,500 geospatial data layers and over 100 two-dimensional and three-dimensional applications supporting a wide range of government sectors.

During the launch, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the platform’s next phase, which includes new applications for urban planning, infrastructure management, rainfall modeling and digital tools designed to strengthen planning capabilities and improve readiness for future scenarios.

The event also saw the signing of memoranda of understanding between Dubai Municipality, Al-Futtaim Group and Huawei. 

The agreements aim to expand the Digital Twin ecosystem through collaboration on digital twin technologies, research, future foresight and practical applications across urban planning, infrastructure, operations, asset management and data-driven decision-making.

Sheikh Hamdan said the Digital Twin Project reflects the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE  and Ruler of Dubai, to leverage advanced technologies and data to improve planning efficiency, strengthen decision-making and enhance quality of life, while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and digital transformation.

Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said the project represents a strategic milestone in the emirate’s efforts to build a smarter and more sustainable city through advanced technologies, integrated data and collaboration across government entities and strategic partners.

Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the next phase will focus on expanding integration with partners and increasing the use of data to support key sectors across the emirate.

Dubai Municipality said the platform will continue to evolve through continuous data updates to improve government services, infrastructure management and long-term planning while supporting the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).