Dubai sets global standards in urban planning with new think tank

Dubai has launched a major initiative aimed at reshaping the future of city planning.

The Urban Think Tank & Design Lab, or D.M-U.Lab, is a collaborative platform introduced by Dubai Municipality to drive innovation in urban planning and design.

It brings together experts, real estate developers, researchers and community members to co-create urban solutions using advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, aiming to make Dubai a global hub for sustainable, human-centered city design.

The initiative was officially launched at the Museum of the Future, with participants from both local and international design, planning and academic institutions.

The lab’s first project focuses on urban renewal in Dubai’s older residential areas, aiming to restore community identity while promoting sustainability and better quality of life.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, attended the launch and praised the initiative as a model for regenerative cities that put people at the heart of development.

The event also featured high-level discussions on participatory design and how inclusive planning can shape vibrant communities while preserving Dubai’s cultural identity.

Officials say the lab will foster collaboration across public and private sectors, attract global talent, and set new standards for urban renewal and participatory design.

The ‘Urban Think Tank & Design Lab’ by #DubaiMunicipality, represents a unique approach to shaping urban design and renewal standards. It puts people at the heart of city-building and planning while enhancing cities’ readiness for the future.
Swipe left for more. pic.twitter.com/TBcNwRbhU7

— بلدية دبي | Dubai Municipality (@DMunicipality) September 15, 2025

Integrated Partnerships

During the ceremony, Dubai Municipality signed ten strategic partnerships, establishing a comprehensive ecosystem in which all partners collaborate to advance the objectives of the Lab.

The signing was witnessed by representatives of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), Great Arab Minds, Emaar Properties, Wasl Group, Dubai Holding Real Estate, Binghatti Holding, Sobha Realty, American University of Sharjah, University of Birmingham Dubai and Foster + Partners.

The partnerships aim to support the Lab’s work by establishing an integrated design and implementation ecosystem, ensuring that all partners collaborate seamlessly.

They are divided into three categories:

• The first includes local government partners, such as DIEZ, to collaborate on joint projects and research, provide a dedicated space for the Design Lab, and offer testing areas at sites affiliated with Dubai Silicon Oasis, with the goal of ensuring the highest standards of quality of life and sustainability.
  • The partnership with Great Arab Minds will focus on enhancing the participation of award winners and participants in the planning and design of Dubai Municipality projects that support municipal services.
  • In addition, the global consultancy firm Foster + Partners will contribute to knowledge exchange in design and planning, strengthening the involvement of international experts.
• The second category includes developers Emaar Properties, Dubai Holding, Wasl, Sobha Realty and Binghatti Holding, leveraging their practical expertise in urban renewal, design, planning, and business model development.
  • Initial projects will be launched in collaboration with Dubai Municipality, focusing on the renovation of older residential areas through effective partnerships that revitalise these neighbourhoods and enhance quality of life.
• The third category comprises universities, including the American University of Sharjah and the University of Birmingham Dubai. The aim is to increase the participation of academics and students in collaborative design dialogues, applying the latest practical and academic research to municipal projects.
  • These initiatives will also be integrated into the academic curriculum, strengthening ties with the scientific community and benefiting from research-driven insights.

نتخيل... نتشارك... نصمم المستقبل#بلدية_دبي تُطلق "مختبر التخطيط والتصميم العمراني"... لنُعيد معاً رسم أحياء نابضة بالحياة، محورها الإنسان، وغايتها تحسين جودة الحياة وتعزيز الاستدامة للأجيال القادمة. pic.twitter.com/dRdQUD4ZU7

— بلدية دبي | Dubai Municipality (@DMunicipality) September 15, 2025