HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, The Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation, has approved the launch of the ‘Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative.
The initiative aims to provide essential funding for research projects that drive significant advancements across vital economic sectors in Dubai. It will focus on two RDI Priority Sectors—Cognitive Cities and Health and Life Sciences—through cross-cutting AI and Robotic Systems technologies.
In a press note in the Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasised the importance of R&D initiatives to achieve Dubai’s vision for the future of its key economic sectors. He added that no effort would be spared to support research projects that aim to positively impact Dubai’s journey towards global leadership across scientific fields.
The Dubai RDI Grant Initiative aims to support up to 20 research projects in the next phase. The selection process will be governed by a specific set of criteria and standards.
His Highness explained that the launch of this initiative aims to make Dubai one of the most future-ready cities in the world. He added the initiative is also pushing to harness scientific development and research in Dubai to achieve impactful accomplishments.
Sheikh Hamdan added that Dubai aims to become a destination for international and regional scientists and researchers. To do so, collaboration and partnerships between the public and private sectors, universities, and research institutions must be strengthened.
The Dubai Future Foundation will work with a group of local and international partners in the public and private sectors, universities, and research institutions to achieve the initiative’s objectives and bring the eligible projects to life.
The programme also strengthens national efforts to identify the most impactful upcoming transformations and how to adapt and prepare for them. It also helps ensure critical infrastructure for emerging sectors, enhancing Dubai’s economic agility.
The initiative is a key outcome of the Dubai Research and Development Programme, launched by HH Sheikh Hamdan in September 2022. Led by Dubai Future Foundation, the Program aims to establish a comprehensive framework for fostering innovative RDI activities in Dubai.
It outlines strategies for managing and investing in RDI projects, initiatives, and legislation while also aiming to increase local R&D expenditure, enhance private sector engagement in funding, and launch research projects.
Examples of research projects in Cognitive Cities include Smart Mobility, Traffic Management, Smart Grids, and PropTech. Health and Life Sciences will address potential topics such as Precision Medicine, Preventive Genetic Sequencing, Cell-Cultured Foods, and Crop Resilience.
AI will focus on Fintech, Natural Language Processing, and Computer Vision applications. Robotics Systems will focus on innovative robotic applications in critical sectors such as Logistics, Construction, Aviation, and Healthcare.
