Dubai 10X is a bold, government‑led innovation programme that began in 2017 spearheaded under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to propel Dubai ten years ahead in the world. The initiative reshapes public‑sector services through disruptive technologies, a proactive mindset and cross‑entity collaboration, positioning Dubai as a benchmark for future‑ready governance. Managed by the Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai 10X operates in three cycles; the third cycle which has been launched in 2023, focuses on a fundamental shift in thinking which now aims to generate unconventional, high‑impact projects on a global scale. ^[1]

Dubai 10X’s objectives extend beyond individual projects. They aim to redesign organisational structures, foster a culture of risk‑taking and update traditional policies to keep pace with rapid technological change. By instilling innovation into the fabric of government operations, the initiative seeks to enhance quality of life, accelerate service delivery and position Dubai as a global hub of forward‑thinking public‑sector solutions. This comprehensive approach makes Dubai 10X a cornerstone of the emirate’s vision for a future‑ready society.

The Socio-Economic Catalyst

As reported in early 2026, Dubai’s GDP experienced a robust expansion of 5.3% in the third quarter of 2025, reaching a valuation of AED 113.8 billion.^[2] Furthermore, the total economic output for the first nine months of that year was recorded at AED 355 billion^[3]. Consequently, the 10X initiative is being utilized as a primary engine to realize the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which seeks to double the size of the emirate’s economy over the next decade.^[4]

By creating a system where government innovation actively supports the private sector, the initiative strengthens business confidence and attracts both multinational corporations and growing Small-Medium Enterprises. Improved mobility streamlines supply chains and boosts efficiency in logistics and retail. Meanwhile, predictive healthcare drives demand for advanced health technologies and data analytics, unlocking entirely new commercial opportunities.

The Evolutionary Phases of Dubai 10X

Since its inception in 2017, the initiative has evolved through distinct stages of maturity. In the initial phase, known as Dubai 10X 1.0, the focus was placed on the redefinition of core infrastructure. A notable achievement during this period was the establishment of “Digital DEWA.” By creating a digital arm for the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, the world’s first digital utility was formed. This entity utilizes autonomous systems for renewable energy and artificial intelligence, thereby setting a precedent for utility providers worldwide.^[5]

Subsequently, during Dubai 10X 2.0, the scope of collaboration was expanded to include 37 government entities working in unison. During this phase, joint ventures such as “Green Airport as a Service” and “Green Road as a Service” were inaugurated. These projects were designed to harness wasted energy, including wind from aircraft movement and kinetic energy from transport systems to support Dubai’s ambition of becoming a global capital for the green economy.

Strategic Objectives of Phase 3.0

The third phase of the initiative is marked by a shift from individual projects to a total transformation of the governmental workforce mindset. A rigorous selection process was employed from the start in 2023 itself, wherein three primary projects were chosen from a pool of 79 proposals developed by over 120 employees representing 33 government institutions, reflecting a surge in collaborative innovation across sectors such as transport, health, aviation, urban planning and more. These projects were evaluated based on their implementation speed, cross-entity integration, and potential to enhance the quality of life for residents.

From these, three flagship projects were approved recently: the 20 Minute City led by the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai (RTA), the Disease Early Detection System, led by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and the City Terminal Project, led by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) each designed to reshape mobility, health and travel experiences for residents and visitors. ^[6]

1. Urban Connectivity: The 20-Minute City

Led by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with Dubai Municipality and Dubai Police, the “20-Minute City” model is in progress in the Al Barsha 2 district. The objective is for 80% of essential services to be accessible to residents within a 20-minute window via sustainable transport, cycling, or walking. It is anticipated that this model will significantly improve road safety and workforce efficiency while fostering local commerce.^[7]

• Predictive Healthcare: Early Disease Detection[8]

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is overseeing the “Disease Early Detection System,” a project focused on proactive diagnostics. In light of the fact that diabetes alone is estimated to cost the government AED 2.78 billion annually, this predictive model is being prioritized. Major healthcare providers, including King’s College Hospital London, Aster Clinics, Canadian Specialist Hospital and Medcare Hospital, are integrated into a data-driven network to improve patient outcomes and reduce long-term treatment costs.^[9]

• Streamlined Mobility: The City Terminal Project

To optimize the aviation sector, the “City Terminal Project” is being developed by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP). Travelers are able to complete check-in procedures at various off-site locations across the city. Congestion at airport terminals is thereby decreased, and the overall passenger journey is streamlined through the joint efforts of Emirates, Dubai Airports, and the Dubai Police^.[10]

The Four Pillars of Transformation

The success of the 10X mandate is anchored by four foundational pillars:^[11]

1. Digital Transformation: Technology which is utilized to modernize city planning and administrative efficiency.
2. Advanced Technology Integration: Artificial Intelligence (AI) being incorporated into diverse sectors to maintain global competitiveness.
3. Global Business Competitiveness: Flexible regulatory frameworks are being developed to attract international investment and talent.
4. Smart Infrastructure: Modernized urban solutions are deployed to meet future environmental and logistical challenges.

Governance and Collective Collaboration

The real strength of Dubai 10X lies in how it brings government departments together in ways that rarely happened before. In the third cycle, 33 government entities submitted 79 project proposals, many developed by teams made up of up to 11 different agencies working side by side. Instead of operating in separate departments and getting caught in bureaucratic red tape, these teams collaborate directly to solve problems faster and more creatively. The Dubai Future Foundation then steps in with funding, research, and technical support to help turn promising ideas into real projects that can be rolled out across the city^.[12]

Historical Milestones and Future Outlook

Since its launch in 2017, Dubai 10X has generated 42 innovative projects, including the “Rahhal” educational initiative^[13] and the “Police Without Policemen” AI‑driven public‑safety program and “Dubai REST,” which fully digitized the real estate transaction process.^[14] The third‑phase flagship projects such as the “20‑Minute City” (RTA), the “Disease Early Detection System” (DHA), and the “City Terminal” (DAEP), aim to reshape urban mobility, predictive healthcare and seamless travel. These projects embody the initiative’s goal of positioning Dubai ten years ahead of other global cities by restructuring government functions, fostering a culture of disruptive innovation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dubai 10X initiative is being established not merely as a local program, but as a global benchmark for future governance. Through the integration of disruptive technologies and a commitment to radical transparency, Dubai is solidifying its position as a prime destination for innovation. As the emirate moves toward 2033, the 10X mandate ensures that the city remains at the forefront of the digital age, providing its residents and businesses with a high-quality, prosperous, and technologically advanced future.

[1] www.dewa.gov.ae

[2] khaleejtimes.com

[3] seedgroup.com

[4] www.investindubai.gov.ae

[5]  www.dewa.gov.ae- DEWA’s robust infrastructure is a key element of Dubai’s development

[6] wam.ae

[7] mediaoffice.ae- Hamdan bin Mohammed reviews progress of key strategic road corridors, projects timeline through 2027

[8] duphat.ae

[9] Gulfnews.com- Sheikh Hamdan approves three projects in mobility, health, and travel

[10] www.dubaiairshow.aero

[11] www.dubaifuture.ae

[12] www.dubaifuture.ae- Dubai 10X receives 79 proposals from 33 government entities

[13] web.khda.gov.ae- Rahhal – a Dubai 10X Initiative

[14] dubailand.gov.ae

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