Dubai is giving away AED 2.5 million to app creators globally, Here’s how to enter the challenge | World News
The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy (DCDE), one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, officially launched the third edition of its highly ambitious ‘Create Apps Championship’ on Thursday, November 13, 2025, with a total funding package exceeding AED 2.5 million for app innovators worldwide.
The championship that’s making millionaires
Dubai is once again proving it’s the global hub for digital ambition, not just tourism. The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has launched the third edition of its ‘Create Apps Championship,’ and the prize money is staggering: a total funding package of over AED 2.5 million (approx. $720,000 USD). This isn’t just a contest; it’s a fast-track incubator designed to turn your mobile app concept into a fully funded, market-ready business.The stakes are highest for the grand prize: the top app, voted ‘App of the Year,’ will walk away with a massive AED 1 million to fuel its launch and growth. The competition is looking for innovation across four key categories, including the exciting new ‘Longevity App of the Year,’ which focuses on health, wellbeing, and lifestyle improvements.
Who can join the Dubai App millionaire race?
The best part? This competition is designed to be truly global. Whether you’re a student in the UAE or a developer across the world, if you have a solid mobile app idea, you can enter. Eligibility Snapshot
- Age: Must be at least 14 years old at the date of entry.
- Location: Open to participants from the UAE and worldwide.
- Idea Stage: Your app must be at the ideation or prototype stage, a fully developed app is not allowed. The goal is to build it with Dubai’s support.
- Intent: You must have the long-term intent to build a successful mobile application in Dubai.
Key Deadlines
| Phase | Deadline Date |
| Registration Closes | December 10, 2025 |
| Application Submission | December 15, 2025 |
How to apply for Dubai’s AED 2.5 million App challenge?
- Register Online: Visit the official ‘Create Apps in Dubai’ website and complete the registration form for the Championship.
- Start Prototyping: Even though you don’t need a finished app, you must be prepared to build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to advance to the quarter-finals.
- Prepare Your Submission: Before the December 15 deadline, you must submit your app idea using the required documents, which typically include your App Business Canvas (ABC Form), a Pitch Deck, and your initial Prototype.
- Stay Clean: Ensure your submitted app idea is original and complies strictly with all UAE laws and regulations—this means absolutely no political, religious, or immoral content.
What to expect?
If you’re ready to chase that AED 1 million grand prize, you need more than just a great idea—you need a launch strategy. Here’s what you can expect from the Championship journey and the blueprint for the apps most likely to win.This isn’t a simple submission box; it’s a dedicated pipeline to market. Once you get in, you’ll gain access to a dedicated hub offering tailored training and expert mentorship to transform your concept into a real business.You should expect the competition to be tough, requiring you to quickly develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to make it past the early rounds. For high-potential teams, the new Alumni Accelerator Programme is the ultimate prize, offering intensive support to complete your project and facilitate a launch in Dubai. The final stage? A thrilling public voting round that determines the grand prize winner.
How to prepare?
To impress the judges, your submission needs to be sharp and detailed before the December 15 deadline. Focus on perfecting these three essential components:
- The App Business Canvas (ABC Form): This is your idea’s strategic roadmap. Clearly define your market, your user problem, and how your app is the unique solution. Don’t skip the economics!
- The Pitch Deck: This is your story. Make it visually engaging, explaining why your app matters, who your team is, and why it will succeed specifically in the digital economy.
- The Prototype/MVP: Judges need to see your app work. Even a clickable wireframe is better than just a static description. Show, don’t just tell.
The Create Apps Championship is more than just a competition; it’s an invitation to join one of the world’s fastest-growing digital ecosystems. With the promise of AED 2.5 million in funding, plus the chance to launch your app through the Alumni Accelerator Programme, the barriers to entry have never been lower. Stop treating your app idea like a side hustle, Dubai is ready to make it a full-time, million-dirham venture. Get registering, get coding, and let’s see your app change the world.
