The United Arab Emirates has announced the launch of an international artificial intelligence competition offering an annual prize of $1 million. The competition aims to develop smart solutions that improve urban services and quality of life, and is expected to engage more than 10,000 innovators from 150 countries.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, unveiled the prize and two other international initiatives on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders in Dubai.

Organised in partnership with Dubai Municipality and the World Economic Forum, the competition will focus on “agentic AI” — technology capable of planning and taking action to complete tasks and solve complex problems, rather than merely answering questions.

Al Gergawi said the initiative aims to bring together more than 10,000 innovators and changemakers from 150 countries to develop solutions that make urban services smarter and residents’ lives easier.

The winners will be announced at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders.

Organisers hope successful solutions implemented in one city can be replicated in hundreds of cities worldwide.

🟣 Launch of the Global Centre for Future Opportunities

Al Gergawi also announced the establishment of the Global Centre for Future Opportunities in partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation and the World Economic Forum.

The centre will identify emerging economic and technological opportunities and turn them into actionable policies, legislation and projects.

🟣 Twenty young leaders under 30 to be recognised

The third initiative announced was the “Future 20” programme, which will identify and recognise 20 young leaders under the age of 30 who have the potential to drive significant change across various sectors.

Al Gergawi stressed that the future is shaped not only by technology and resources, but also by the decisions and actions of leaders.

The Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders is being held in Dubai from October 13 to 15, 2026, in partnership with the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum.