Dubai reaffirms its desire to become the hub of global digital economy

In an effort to further solidify its position as a major hub for the future economy, Dubai has established a higher committee for digital technology and future economy.

The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will sit as chairman of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and the Digital Economy.

‘Today, we established the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy in Dubai to consolidate Dubai’s status as a global digital economy hub. Dubai’s digital transformation drive was initiated by @HHShkMohd in 1999. We continue on the journey to achieve his vision,’ said Dubai Crown prince in a tweet.

The committee plans to create regulations for emerging technologies such the cloud, virtual reality, augmented reality, blockchain, Web3, virtual reality, and the metaverse.

Sheikh Hamdan said earlier this month that the metaverse would sustain 40,000 virtual employment and boost Dubai’s economy by $4 billion over the course of five years.

This happened when he unveiled the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, which aims to rank the emirate among the top 10 metaverse economies worldwide.

Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, the Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, will sit as the committee’s deputy chairman.

The members of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy include; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Dubai Digital Authority; Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation; Ahmed Bin Byat, Vice Chair of the board of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy; Malek Al Malek, Director-General of Dubai Development Authority; Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority; and Maha Al Mezaina, General Rapporteur of the Committee.

The committee will work to identify the future skills required for the digital sectors and will also prepare to attract international corporations and conferences. It will oversee the implementation of policies connected to the digital economy and future technologies.