Dubai Municipality has launched the Urban Think Tank & Design Lab to pioneer people-centred urban renewal and position Dubai as a global design hub.
DUBAI: Dubai Municipality has officially launched the Urban Think Tank & Design Lab (D.M-U.Lab), an innovative design platform aimed at setting new standards in urban planning and community-focused city renewal. The lab underscores Dubai’s commitment to becoming a leading global centre for innovative, human-centred urban design.
The initiative was inaugurated under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, who emphasised the importance of designing regenerative cities that prioritise people and sustainability. The launch event, hosted at the Museum of the Future, brought together senior leaders, real estate developers, architects, academics, and government officials.
“The Urban Think Tank & Design Lab is a pioneering model that reflects Dubai’s forward-looking approach,” Her Highness said. “It will transform ideas into comprehensive urban solutions that have real impact.”
The first major project under the lab focuses on revitalising Dubai’s older residential areas, preserving their identity while improving quality of life. With ten strategic partnerships signed across government, private developers, and academic institutions, the lab aims to establish a fully integrated ecosystem for urban innovation and implementation.
Partners include Dubai Holding, Emaar, Wasl, Sobha Realty, Binghatti Holding, and global firm Foster + Partners. Educational collaborators such as the American University of Sharjah and University of Birmingham Dubai will contribute research and academic insights, enriching the collaborative design process.
His Excellency Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, stated that the lab will play a vital role in driving urban innovation by combining artificial intelligence, digital twin technology, and participatory planning to co-create future-ready communities.
Workshops, dialogue sessions, and open discussions will form a core part of the lab’s activities, encouraging community engagement and co-design of public spaces, infrastructure, and services. By blending academic research with practical implementation, Dubai hopes to develop urban solutions that are adaptable, inclusive, and deeply aligned with residents’ needs.
The Urban Think Tank & Design Lab reflects Dubai’s evolving urban vision — one that is rooted in sustainability, innovation, and a people-first approach.
