Create Apps in Dubai is a new initiative that aims to turn Dubai into a top destination for business opportunities in the digital economy. Launched by the Higher Committee of Future Technology Development and Digital Economy and supported by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, the initiative seeks to triple the number of app creators by 2025 and support 100 new national projects for developing cutting-edge apps. The program also aims to train 1,000 highly-skilled Emiratis in partnership with the private sector in the emirate.
Dubai has been working on developing its digital economy and is seeking to cement its position as a global capital of the digital economy. The recently launched Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) plan aims to catapult Dubai into the world’s top cities by economic strength in the next 10 years. As part of this plan, the government is supporting 30 private companies to achieve unicorn status (worth more than $1 billion).
According to a report by the Boston Consulting Group, spending on digital technology, including IT, telecoms, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and robotics, is expected to reach $20 billion in the UAE over the next three years. The report also highlights that the UAE is well-positioned to double the contribution of its digital economy to GDP to 19.4% from 9.7% within the next 10 years.
With global smartphone sales revenue exceeding $448 billion and 2 million new applications and games created in 2021, the digital sector has been steadily gathering momentum. Users spent more than $160 billion on applications, while the number of downloads of applications hit 230 billion in 2021, creating vast opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and technology professionals.
The Create Apps in Dubai initiative will be overseen by the Dubai Chamber for Digital Economy and will identify priority areas and support development plans aimed at empowering UAE citizens to play key roles in realizing the country’s digital vision. The UAE cabinet also approved the formation of the Higher Committee for Government Digital Transformation last year, highlighting the government’s commitment to driving digital transformation in the country.
