Dubai launches world’s first AI-powered park design challenge
Dh200,000 prize initiative under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan aims to reimagine Al Safa Park 2 using advanced technologies
Dubai: Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, Dubai Municipality has launched the world’s first AI-powered park design challenge, inviting participants to reimagine Al Safa 2 Park using artificial intelligence.
The initiative forms part of Dubai Municipality’s efforts to harness advanced technologies, urban design and community participation to shape the future of public spaces. The challenge explores how an integrated ecosystem of AI tools can support the entire design journey, from site analysis and user insights to concept generation, optimisation and visualisation, while ensuring that final design decisions remain human-led.
The challenge aims to develop innovative and practical design concepts that enhance sustainability, accessibility, wellbeing, social interaction and overall quality of life. Submissions must include a comprehensive master plan supported by data analysis, visualisations and detailed design proposals, along with explanations of how AI tools informed the process.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the initiative reflects Dubai’s ambition to lead urban innovation by combining advanced technologies with human-centric design. He added that artificial intelligence is being used as a tool to expand creative possibilities, deepen understanding and support smarter decision-making, rather than replace human creativity.
The challenge is open to professionals in urban planning, architecture and landscape design, as well as students, researchers, startups and AI specialists. Participants are required to demonstrate how AI tools were integrated into various stages of the design process, including spatial planning, environmental analysis, performance optimisation and user experience development.
Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the initiative aims to explore new approaches to designing public spaces while ensuring inclusivity, sustainability and practicality. He noted that the project offers an opportunity to test how AI can support the creation of more responsive and comfortable environments for all users.
Entries will be evaluated based on criteria including the effectiveness of AI integration, feasibility, sustainability, inclusivity and the ability to translate data into practical design outcomes. A panel comprising government leaders and international experts will assess submissions, with the community also invited to participate in selecting the final winners.
The competition offers a total prize pool of AED200,000, with AED100,000 awarded to first place, AED65,000 to second place and AED35,000 to third place.
Applications are open until 15th August 2026 through Dubai Municipality’s official platform.