Dubai announces plan to build world's first villa using only robotic construction

In a city where buildings are known to rise in a blink of an eye, Dubai's Municipality has undertaken the challenge of constructing the world’s first residential villa built entirely using robotic construction systems.

The global initiative will be carried out through a local and international consortium led by the authority and comprising more than 25 advanced technology companies and academic institutions.

The new 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.

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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.

New report

During the event, Dubai Municipality also launched the Global ConTech Report in collaboration with Zacua Ventures. The report analyses the growing 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 per cent.

The report also 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.

70–70 strategy

Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with Sobha Realty, also launched the 70–70 Strategy for 2030, which aims to shift 70 per cent of construction to off-site manufacturing while achieving a minimum of 70 per cent 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 the authority's leadership.

The 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.