Dubai launches world’s first AI-powered park design challenge to reimagine Al Safa 2 Park

Dubai Municipality has launched what it describes as the world’s first artificial intelligence-powered park design challenge, inviting architects, urban planners, designers, students and technology innovators to reimagine Al Safa 2 Park using AI-assisted design tools.

The global competition, launched under the directives of 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, seeks to explore how artificial intelligence can help create greener, smarter and more people-centric public spaces while ensuring final design decisions remain firmly in human hands.

The initiative carries a total prize pool of AED200,000 ($54,500), with submissions open until 15 August 2026.

According to Dubai Municipality, the challenge is part of its broader strategy to integrate advanced technologies, urban planning and community engagement into the development of future public spaces.

Participants are expected to demonstrate how AI can support every stage of the design process, from site analysis and user research to concept development, scenario testing, design optimization, visualization and data-driven decision-making.

Submissions must include a comprehensive master plan for Al Safa 2 Park, supported by data analysis, technical drawings, visualizations and a clear explanation of how AI informed the design process. Proposals will be assessed based on their ability to enhance sustainability, accessibility, wellbeing, social interaction and overall quality of life.

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the initiative reflects Dubai’s ambition to combine emerging technologies with human-centred urban design while encouraging greater community participation in shaping public spaces.

He said AI is intended to complement rather than replace human creativity, expanding design possibilities, generating deeper insights and supporting more informed planning decisions. The challenge also aims to attract designers, researchers, students, startups and AI specialists from around the world, he added.

The competition is open to urban planners, architects, landscape architects, public space designers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, startups, AI specialists and technology innovators.

Entries are expected to demonstrate the use of AI across concept exploration, spatial planning, environmental analysis, shade and microclimate optimization, user experience, performance analysis and AI-assisted visualization.

Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said parks play a vital role in supporting community wellbeing, social interaction and everyday quality of life. He said Al Safa 2 Park presents an opportunity to explore how AI can generate deeper insights into people, climate, and place while ensuring designs remain practical, inclusive, and centered on users’ needs.

The competition offers AED100,000 ($27,250) for first place, AED65,000 ($17,700) for second place and AED35,000 ($9,530) for third place.

Entries will be evaluated on the integration of AI into the design process, spatial quality, feasibility, human-centered design, inclusivity, sustainability, design narrative, and the ability to translate data-driven insights into practical planning solutions.

A judging panel comprising senior Government of Dubai officials alongside local and international experts in architecture, urban design, artificial intelligence and future city planning will assess submissions. Shortlisted proposals will also be showcased to the public, enabling community members to participate in selecting the winning designs.

Dubai Municipality said the initiative reflects its commitment to involving residents in shaping future public spaces while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for urban innovation, participatory design and sustainable city development.