Dubai Municipality has launched a global challenge to construct the world’s first residential villa built entirely by robotic systems. The project aims to move automated construction from the experimental phase into a viable, scalable model for the global housing market. It will be delivered through an international consortium of more than 25 technology companies and academic institutions, managed in partnership with Zacua Ventures and the Würth Group.
The announcement was made during the activation of the Construction Innovation and Research Centre, known as 04 ConTech Valley, at Expo City Dubai. This hub will serve as a dedicated centre for testing next-generation materials and urban infrastructure, reinforcing Dubai’s strategy to modernize its building sector through advanced technologies.
This push is backed by significant market shifts. Dubai’s Global ConTech Report projects worldwide investment in construction technology will exceed $30 billion by 2033, growing at 17.5% annually. This growth is largely driven by a global shortage of skilled labour and the increasing reliability of additive manufacturing. To support this transition, a new ConTech Working Group has been formed with Dubai Chambers to coordinate regulatory standards and investment pathways among government, developers, and researchers.
A key local driver is the newly launched 70-70 Strategy, a partnership between the Municipality and Sobha Realty. The roadmap targets shifting 70% of construction tasks to off-site manufacturing and achieving 70% automation within those factories by 2030. Together, these initiatives demonstrate a structured plan to bridge the gap between startup innovation and commercial application, positioning Dubai as a test bed for the future of construction.
