Dubai Municipality launches global challenge

- Dubai Municipality launches global challenge to build the world’s first robot-constructed residential villa

- Global challenge reinforces Dubai’s leadership in advanced construction technologies
- nResidential villa will be constructed using robotic systems in partnership with Zacua Ventures and the Würth Group
- A consortium comprising more than 25 advanced technology companies and academic institutions will participate in the challenge
- Announcement made during an event marking the activation of the Construction Innovation and Research Centre (04 ConTech Valley) in partnership with Expo City Dubai 
- Dubai Municipality launches Global ConTech Report with Zacua Ventures projecting construction technology investments to exceed $30 billion by 2033
- Municipality announces launch of the ConTech Working Group in collaboration with Dubai Chambers
- Dubai Municipality and Sobha Realty launch 70–70 Strategy targeting 70% off-site construction and automation by 2030

Dubai Municipality has announced the launch of a global challenge to construct the world’s first residential villa built entirely using robotic construction systems. The initiative will be delivered through a local and international consortium led by Dubai Municipality and comprising more than 25 advanced technology companies and academic institutions.

The pioneering project represents a global first and reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to developing practical, scalable models for the future of construction that enhance productivity, sustainability and quality, while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global platform for the deployment of advanced construction technologies.

The robotic villa project will be implemented in partnership with Zacua Ventures and the Würth Group, with the participation of specialised construction robotics companies alongside local contractors and engineering firms. This collaboration reflects a practical model of what can be achieved when technology, regulatory leadership and effective public-private partnerships converge.

The announcement was made during an event marking the activation of the Construction Innovation and Research Centre (04 ConTech Valley) in partnership with Expo City Dubai, following the signing of an agreement to establish a dedicated centre for innovation and research in construction materials, systems and technologies. The centre aims to support the development of next-generation construction solutions, urban systems and future city infrastructure.

Global ConTech Report
During the event, Dubai Municipality also launched the Global ConTech Report in collaboration with Zacua Ventures. The report analyses the accelerating global adoption of construction technologies and projects that investments in the sector will exceed $30 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 17.5%.

The report identifies labour shortages as one of the most pressing challenges facing the global construction industry, driving increased investment in technologies such as robotics and additive manufacturing. It also highlights the most prominent technologies shaping the sector, including artificial intelligence, robotics, infrastructure technology and prefabrication.

ConTech Working Group
On the sidelines of the event, Dubai Municipality announced the launch of the ConTech Working Group, in collaboration with Dubai Chambers. The Working Group serves as a structured institutional platform bringing together government entities, developers, contractors, technology providers, investors and researchers, with the objective of advancing innovation and efficiency across the construction sector through a coordinated and well-governed approach.

As part of supporting this ecosystem, Dubai Municipality signed three cooperation agreements with Zacua Ventures, the Dubai Future District Fund and LAB Ventures, aimed at establishing a sustainable innovation pathway for the construction industry. These agreements are intended to support startups by facilitating access to projects, strengthening engagement with the sector ecosystem, and enhancing research, development and investment in future technologies, while attracting construction technology companies from around the world to Dubai.

His Excellency Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said that the adoption of advanced construction technologies represents a cornerstone of Dubai’s vision to develop a more efficient, sustainable and resilient construction sector, guided by a comprehensive, future-focused construction technology strategy.

His Excellency added: “The activation of 04 ConTech Valley, the launch of the ConTech Working Group in collaboration with Dubai Chambers, the signing of agreements with capital partners and the announcement of the challenge to build the world’s first residential villa using robotic construction systems collectively underscore Dubai Municipality’s commitment to strengthening the innovation ecosystem within the construction sector. Our objective is to make the sector smarter and more sustainable, accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, link innovation with real-world application, and enable startups to scale into commercially viable solutions, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading city in the development of smart and sustainable urban environments.”

70–70 Strategy
Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with Sobha Realty, also launched the 70–70 Strategy for 2030, which aims to shift 70% of construction to off-site manufacturing while achieving a minimum of 70% automation within factories by 2030, contributing to higher quality, efficiency and sustainability across the sector.

During the event, partners from the public and private sectors, alongside construction technology startups, discussed opportunities and challenges within the construction ecosystem and outlined a roadmap for construction technology development under Dubai Municipality’s leadership.

Dubai Municipality also announced the accreditation of China State Construction Engineering Corporation for its modular construction system, marking a new milestone in smart construction standards and practices in Dubai. In addition, AMANA will adopt modular construction systems to develop shared workspaces for youth within public facilities, providing flexible and integrated working environments.