Robots and digital automation are now part of daily work on Dubai's construction sites. This shift was on display when Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE's Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Council of International Investments, visited an Innovo project in Dubai. He saw how robotics and AI are being used to improve productivity, safety, and quality. The visit came during a period of increased interest from international investors, as the government works to attract global capital and expertise, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Innovo, a global company with UAE roots, is using its Dubai operations to test and refine automation, digital project management, and robotics in real construction settings. During the minister's visit, teams showed how automated systems and digital platforms are helping coordinate work, speed up timelines, and provide real-time project oversight. These efforts fit into Dubai's broader economic plans, including the D33 strategy, which focuses on innovation and digital transformation in key sectors.
Dubai's economic model focuses on technology
This visit was more than a formality. It signaled that Dubai's economic leaders are serious about using technology to stay competitive. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri emphasized that the government wants to attract companies that can deliver on the promise of a "new economy" built on flexibility, knowledge, and innovation. He highlighted Dubai's regulatory environment, infrastructure, and ease of doing business as reasons why companies like Innovo are expanding in the city. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism continues to promote the city's business-friendly ecosystem, which combines flexible regulation, advanced infrastructure, and a climate that supports growth and innovation in emerging sectors.
Recent projects show this momentum. In September 2026, Dubai Municipality introduced a smart robot for geospatial surveying, using LiDAR and intelligent cameras to quickly collect accurate spatial data with little human involvement. This project, described in a Dubai Municipality press release, shows the city's push to use automation in urban planning and infrastructure. Dubai Municipality officials also visited the Kajima research center in Singapore to study advanced construction technologies, including robotics, automation, digital twins, and smart building management, before bringing them to Dubai, as reported by WAM.
How Innovo is using automation
Innovo's approach is hands-on. The company is not just testing technology in isolation; it is integrating automation and robotics into active construction sites and using these projects to improve and scale up solutions. During the minister's visit, robots handled repetitive and hazardous tasks, digital dashboards tracked project progress, and automated systems supported safety and quality control. These tools are already in use, helping project teams work more efficiently and stay coordinated.
Innovo's CEO, Bishoy Azmy, said the real value of technology comes from practical use. By combining digital tools, automation, and engineering expertise, Innovo aims to raise standards for safety, quality, and productivity. The company now has more than 130 projects across four continents, with Dubai as a hub for testing and scaling new ideas before rolling them out globally. Other companies are following suit: in September 2026, Fakhruddin Properties launched the AED 700 million ($191 million) Tréppan Vision project, which includes robotic services on every floor and AI-driven building management, according to Gulf News.
Strategic context and what's next
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism's work with Innovo is part of a larger effort to highlight and support new business models in Dubai's changing economy. The government is encouraging the use of AI, robotics, and digital solutions across important sectors, aiming to make Dubai a global center for advanced industries. This approach is also seen in other areas, such as the aviation industry's technology-driven growth reported earlier.
Dubai's focus on technology is being put into practice through direct work with companies that can deliver results. The Innovo visit shows that city leaders want more than slow, incremental change. Dubai is moving quickly, using real-world projects to turn innovation into economic gains. For businesses and investors, the message is clear: Dubai is open to those ready to build and test new ideas. The ongoing pilot of autonomous delivery robots by talabat and QuikBot in Dubai Digital Park is another example of robotics becoming part of daily urban life, as covered by The National and other major media outlets.
