And you could win AED100,000
Think you’ve got what it takes to design Dubai’s next great public space?
Dubai Municipality has launched what it’s calling the world’s first AI-powered park design challenge, inviting creative minds from around the globe to redesign Al Safa 2 Park, with a total prize pool of AED200,000 up for grabs.
Whether you’re an architect, urban planner, landscape designer, university student, researcher or simply passionate about artificial intelligence, this could be your chance to help shape the future of one of Dubai’s public parks.
The competition follows Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s recent announcement of three major projects for Dubai, including Falcon Market, the Dubai Creek lighting project and an AI-designed public park.
Now, Dubai Municipality is turning that vision into reality by asking participants to use artificial intelligence throughout the design process, not to replace creativity, but to enhance it.
Entrants are encouraged to use AI to analyse the site, understand how people interact with the park, generate design concepts, test different layouts and refine their final proposals.
The goal is to create a smarter, greener and more people-focused public space that improves everyday life for residents.
Officials have stressed that while AI should play a key role, human creativity remains at the centre of every design.
The competition offers a total prize fund of AED200,000, with generous rewards for the top three entries.
Beyond the cash prizes, winners will have the opportunity to see their ideas influence the future of public spaces in Dubai.
The challenge is open to a wide range of participants, including:
Architects, urban planners and landscape designers
Undergraduate, master’s and PhD students
Researchers
Design and AI startups
Artificial intelligence specialists and technology innovators
Whether you’re an experienced professional or an emerging designer with fresh ideas, Dubai Municipality is encouraging anyone working at the intersection of design and technology to get involved.
Participants will need to submit a comprehensive master plan showing exactly how AI shaped the design process.
Designs should demonstrate practical, sustainable and inclusive ideas while showcasing how AI was used for everything from analysing climate conditions and user behaviour to improving shade, accessibility, environmental performance and the overall visitor experience.
Judges will also be looking for creative use of AI in concept development, design optimisation, visualisation and data-driven decision-making.
In a unique twist, shortlisted entries won’t just be judged by a panel of international experts and senior Dubai Government officials. Members of the public will also get the chance to vote on the final designs, ensuring the winning concept reflects what residents actually want from their neighbourhood parks.
Applications are now open and will close on 15 August 2026.
Participants must submit their concepts through the Dubai Municipality competition portal, including detailed plans, visualisations and an explanation of how artificial intelligence informed the final design.
As Dubai continues to position itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence and smart city innovation, this competition offers more than just prize money.
It’s an opportunity to help shape the future of one of the city’s green spaces, and potentially leave a lasting mark on Dubai’s urban landscape.
Until 15 August. For further information, visit dm.gov.ae
