Sheikh Hamdan approves landmark Dubai projects to boost heritage and quality of life

Dubai: 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, on Thursday approved a new package of Dubai Municipality development projects aimed at enhancing quality of life, urban services and public spaces across the emirate.

Announcing the decision on his X account, Sheikh Hamdan said the initiatives reflect Dubai's continued commitment to investing in projects that combine heritage, innovation and sustainability.

"As part of our efforts to enhance quality of life and urban services across the emirate, I have approved a new package of Dubai Municipality projects," Sheikh Hamdan wrote.

The approved projects include the ‘Dubai Falcon Market,’ the ‘Dubai Creek Lighting’ project, the launch of the ‘First AI-Powered Park Design Challenge in Dubai,’ and initiatives to collaborate with internationally renowned architects on landmark projects across the emirate. These initiatives reflect Dubai’s approach to leveraging innovation, advanced technologies, and urban design to develop human-centric projects that strengthen national identity and support sustainable urban development and the creative economy.

Sheikh Hamdan approved the Dubai Falcon Market, the first integrated and specialised falcon market of its kind in the region.

The 50,000-square-foot project, with an estimated cost of Dh50 million, will feature architecture inspired by a falcon's wings. It will include specialised retail outlets for falcons and related supplies, a veterinary clinic, and spaces for cultural and heritage events.

The market forms part of Dubai's plans to develop its rural and desert areas while preserving Emirati heritage and creating new visitor destinations.

Sheikh Hamdan also approved the Dubai Creek Lighting project, which will introduce an integrated lighting system along an 8km stretch of Dubai Creek.

The project will illuminate promenades, creek entrances, heritage markets, waterfront walkways and building façades, creating a new night-time destination while enhancing the area's historical character and visitor experience.

Scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027, the project is part of wider efforts to revitalise Dubai's waterfronts and historic districts.

Dubai also approved the First AI-Powered Park Design Challenge, described as the world's first initiative to use artificial intelligence throughout the planning and design of parks and public spaces.

The competition is open to designers, architects, researchers, university students, startups and AI specialists. Participants will use AI tools and data analytics to develop park designs that respond to community needs.

Winning entries will be selected by an international judging panel alongside input from local residents.

Dubai Municipality also announced a collaboration with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma to develop Reservoir Park, his first park project in Dubai.

The design will combine nature, architecture and local cultural elements as part of Dubai's strategy to develop world-class urban destinations with leading international architects.

The projects support Dubai's long-term urban development plans, including the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.