According to the Global Innovation Index (GII), the UAE is ranked number one in the Arab World for the fifth consecutive year and improved to 34th globally in the 2020 edition owing to its readiness to accelerate innovations through a dedicated National Program for AI. The Dubai government has also been investing to empower entrepreneurs (through innovation hubs such as Dubai Future Foundation, DIFC FinTech Hive, Hub71).

Dubai’s Smart City strategy, which was launched in 2014, have more than 545 ongoing or planned initiatives with goals on transforming more than 1,100 essential government services into smart services; introducing autonomous vehicles and smart transportation services; providing free, high-speed wi-fi across the emirate; and developing a data-driven economy.

Technology touches every market today, be it health, logistics, food, finance, energy, construction. From fintech to robotics to 3D printing and everything in between; Dubai has its sights set firmly on technology and innovation and is working towards transforming the emirate into a leading global Smart City.