Dubai launches world’s first AI-powered park design challenge
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Dubai is inviting designers, students, researchers and technology specialists to use artificial intelligence to reimagine Al Safa 2 Park, in what the municipality says is the world’s first AI-powered park design challenge.
Launched under the directives of 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, the challenge will turn one of the city’s public parks into a test case for how AI can shape future urban spaces.
The contest asks participants to prepare practical and creative master plans for Al Safa 2 Park, using AI tools across the design process. These tools may be used for site analysis, understanding visitor needs, generating concepts, testing design scenarios, improving layouts, studying shade and microclimate, and producing visualisations.
Dubai Municipality said final design decisions must remain human-led, with AI used to support better planning rather than replace creative judgment.
Submissions must include a complete master plan, data analysis, drawings, visual material and an explanation of how AI influenced the design. Proposals will be judged on sustainability, accessibility, wellbeing, social interaction, inclusivity, feasibility and their ability to improve quality of life.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the challenge reflects Dubai’s ambition to lead urban innovation by combining advanced technologies with design centred on people.
“Artificial intelligence is not replacing human creativity in this challenge. It is being used as a tool to expand possibilities, deepen understanding and support better design decisions”, he said.
The competition is open to urban planners, architects, landscape architects, public space designers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, PhD candidates, researchers, start-ups, AI specialists and technology innovators.
Bader Anwahi, Chief Executive of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said Al Safa 2 Park offers a chance to explore how AI can help create public spaces that respond better to people, climate and daily use.
Submissions will be reviewed by a judging panel made up of Dubai government executives and local and international experts in design, architecture, artificial intelligence and future city planning. Shortlisted designs will then be put forward for community participation before the winners are selected.
The total prize pool is AED200,000. The first-place winner will receive AED100,000, while the second and third-place winners will receive AED65,000 and AED35,000 respectively.
Dubai Municipality said the challenge supports its wider work to involve residents in park design and create public spaces that reflect community needs, local identity and sustainable urban growth.
Applications are open until August 15, 2026, through https://aipark.dm.gov.ae/ai-competition