Dubai Municipality has announced what it describes as the world’s first AI-powered park design challenge, inviting participants from around the world to help redesign Al Safa 2 Park using artificial intelligence.
Launched under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the initiative aims to explore how AI can support the creation of smarter, greener, and more people-focused public spaces while ensuring that final design decisions remain driven by human creativity and expertise.
The competition is open until August 15, 2026, and offers a total prize fund of AED 200,000 ($54,500).
Reimagining Public Parks with AI
Dubai Municipality said the challenge forms part of its broader strategy to combine advanced technology, urban planning, and community participation in shaping the future of the city’s public spaces.
Participants are encouraged to demonstrate how AI tools can be used throughout the design process, including:
- Site analysis
- User behaviour insights
- Concept development
- Scenario testing
- Design optimisation
- Visualisation
- Data-driven decision making
Each submission must include a comprehensive master plan supported by drawings, visualisations, data analysis, and a clear explanation of how artificial intelligence contributed to the design process.
Open to Designers, Students, and Innovators
The competition welcomes entries from:
- Architects
- Landscape architects
- Urban planners
- Public space designers
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Researchers
- Startups
- AI specialists
- Technology innovators
Participants are expected to show how AI helped improve areas such as spatial planning, environmental performance, shade optimisation, accessibility, user experience, and sustainability.
AED 200,000 Prize Pool
The challenge offers substantial rewards for the top entries:
- First Prize: AED 100,000
- Second Prize: AED 65,000
- Third Prize: AED 35,000
Submissions will be evaluated based on AI integration, feasibility, sustainability, inclusivity, human-centred design, and the ability to translate data into practical urban solutions.
Shortlisted concepts will also be presented to the public, allowing community members to help select the winning designs.
Supporting Dubai’s Vision for Smarter Cities
According to Dubai Municipality, the initiative reflects the emirate’s commitment to urban innovation, sustainable development, and citizen participation.
The redesigned Al Safa 2 Park is expected to serve as a model for how AI can assist in creating public spaces that better respond to community needs while enhancing quality of life.
Designers, students, researchers, and innovators interested in participating can submit their entries through the official competition portal:
Applications remain open until August 15, 2026.
