Dubai launches new Create Apps Championship to accelerate digital innovation

Dubai: The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy opened the third edition of the ‘Create Apps Championship’, with winning entries set to benefit from funding packages worth over Dh2.5 million, helping support novel ideas from the development stage through to market launch.

Speaking at the launch, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said that Dubai’s emergence as a leading global hub for digital transformation embodies the bold development vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai’s digital transformation is tied to developing talent that can meet future needs and build solutions aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Sheikh Hamdan added: “Dubai is establishing inspiring models for the world by creating an enabling environment that attracts and empowers talent, inspiring one and all to pursue a promising future driven by knowledge, creativity, and innovation. Through a supportive and stimulating ecosystem that nurtures ideas, Dubai reinforces its position as a global destination for business, investment, and innovation.”

Global hub for talent

Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that Dubai continues to enhance its standing as a global hub for talent, supported by world-class infrastructure and agile legal frameworks that empower the business ecosystem. He noted that the emirate’s development model strengthens collaboration between the public and private sectors, fostering comprehensive development aimed at achieving Dubai’s ambitious growth objectives and inspiring the future of smart applications.

The latest edition builds on strong momentum from the first two years of the competition. More than 5,800 applications have been submitted since 2023, leading to the development and rollout of over 55 smart applications in the market. Organisers say this has helped empower developers, encourage new ideas, and expand the digital ecosystem.

The competition features four categories: Best Youth App, Most Impactful App, Most Innovative App, and the new Longevity App of the Year. Winners of three categories will receive more than Dh550,000 each, while the top app chosen through public voting will earn the ‘App of the Year’ title and a Dh1 million prize.

Draws creators worldwide

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said the championship has become a global initiative that draws creators from around the world. He said the challenge reflects Dubai’s ability to keep pace with a fast-evolving digital applications sector.

This year introduces two major additions:

• ‘Longevity App of the Year’ award, focused on apps that promote wellbeing, health, and lifestyle improvements.

• Alumni Accelerator Programme, which will help high-potential teams complete their projects and aims to bring 50 new applications to market.

Participants will also have access to a dedicated hub for mentorship, training, and expert guidance.