The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has launched the third edition of the ‘Create Apps Championship’, offering funding packages worth over Dh2.5 million to support new application ideas from development to market launch. At the event, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, stated that the city continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for talent, supported by world-class infrastructure and agile legal frameworks.
Fostering a Global Talent Hub
Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that Dubai’s digital transformation embodies the development vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He noted that this progress is directly linked to developing talent capable of meeting future demands and creating solutions aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
“Dubai is establishing inspiring models for the world by creating an enabling environment that attracts and empowers talent,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “Through a supportive and stimulating ecosystem that nurtures ideas, Dubai reinforces its position as a global destination for business, investment, and innovation.” This focus has contributed to a recent surge in digital startups across Dubai, driven by sectors like AI and fintech.
Championship Momentum and Prize Structure
The competition builds on significant momentum from its first two years, which saw over 5,800 applications submitted since 2023. This has resulted in the market launch of more than 55 smart applications, empowering developers and expanding the city’s digital ecosystem.
This year’s championship features four distinct categories: Best Youth App, Most Impactful App, Most Innovative App, and the new Longevity App of the Year. Winners in three of these categories will each receive over Dh550,000. The top application, selected through a public vote, will be named ‘App of the Year’ and awarded a Dh1 million prize.
New Initiatives for This Year’s Edition
The third edition introduces two major new components to further support participants.
Longevity App of the Year
A new award category, the ‘Longevity App of the Year’, has been created to recognise applications that promote wellbeing, health, and positive lifestyle improvements.
Alumni Accelerator Programme
An Alumni Accelerator Programme has also been established to assist high-potential teams from previous competitions in completing their projects. The programme aims to help bring an additional 50 new applications to market, providing participants with access to a dedicated hub for mentorship, training, and expert guidance.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, said the championship has evolved into a global initiative attracting creators from around the world. He added that the challenge reflects Dubai’s ability to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital applications sector, which is becoming increasingly central to modern life.
