AED 2.5 million competition to boost app development in Dubai

Dubai has launched a AED 2.5 million ($680,000) competition aimed at recognizing the city’s top app developers. The third edition of the “Create Apps Championship” aims to nurture exceptional global tech talent and reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global hub in the digital economy.

The launch coincides with remarks by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, who emphasized that Dubai’s emergence as a global hub for digital transformation reflects the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

Speaking at the launch of the new competition, Sheikh Hamdan said: “Dubai is establishing inspiring models for the world by creating an enabling environment that attracts and empowers talent, inspiring one and all to pursue a promising future driven by knowledge, creativity, and innovation. Through a supportive and stimulating ecosystem that nurtures ideas, Dubai reinforces its position as a global destination for business, investment, and innovation.”

According to available data, the competition will feature four main categories:

• Best Youth App
• Most Impactful App
• Most Innovative App
• Longevity App of the Year (new category)

Total funding exceeds AED 2.5 million ($680,000), with individual category winners receiving over AED 550,000 ($150,000) each. The grand “App of the Year” winner will be selected through public voting and will receive AED 1 million ($272,000).

This year’s competition introduces the “Longevity App of the Year” category, which recognizes apps that promote wellbeing and sustainable health across fitness, wellness, and lifestyle sectors. The addition aligns with national priorities to improve the quality of life and create a future-ready society.

The third edition also introduces an “Alumni Accelerator Programme” for high-potential teams from previous competitions. This initiative will support the completion and market launch of 50 new applications, providing participants with access to a dedicated business accelerator, expert mentorship, and training resources to help scale their projects.