Dubai Municipality has unveiled what it calls the world's first AI-powered park design challenge, inviting designers, researchers, students and technology innovators to reimagine Al Safa 2 Park using artificial intelligence.
Launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, the initiative seeks to explore how AI tools can support the full design journey, from site analysis and concept generation to scenario testing and visualisation, while keeping final design decisions human-led.
Director General of Dubai Municipality, Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, described the challenge as a reflection of Dubai's ambition to lead urban innovation by merging advanced technology with human-centred design. He emphasised that AI is being used as a tool to expand possibilities, not replace human creativity.
Submissions must include a fully integrated master plan supported by data analysis, visualisations, detailed drawings and a clear explanation of how AI tools informed the design process. Entries will be assessed on the strength of the AI-integrated approach, spatial feasibility, inclusivity, sustainability and the ability to translate data into practical spatial outcomes.
The challenge is open to professionals across urban planning, architecture and landscape design, as well as students, startups and AI specialists. A total prize pool of AED 200,000 is on offer, with AED 100,000 awarded to the first-place winner, AED 65,000 for second place and AED 35,000 for third.
A judging panel of government executives and international design and AI experts will shortlist entries, after which the community will vote on the winning designs.
Applications are open until 15 August 2026 at aipark.dm.gov.ae/ai-competition.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
