Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Future Foundation, has approved the launch of the Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative. This initiative will provide crucial funding for up to 20 research projects focused on advancing Dubai’s key economic sectors, including Cognitive Cities, Health and Life Sciences, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Robotics.
This initiative is a major outcome of the Dubai Research and Development Program, launched in 2022 under the leadership of Sheikh Hamdan. The program aims to foster innovative research activities in Dubai, increasing local R&D investments and encouraging private sector involvement in funding research projects.
Sheikh Hamdan stated, “Research and development initiatives are central to achieving Dubai’s vision for the future of its key economic sectors. We will spare no effort in supporting research projects that positively impact our journey toward global leadership across all scientific fields.”
He added, “With this initiative, we aim to make Dubai one of the most future-ready cities in the world, prepared to harness scientific research for impactful accomplishments.”
Focus Areas and Research Goals
The Dubai RDI Grant Initiative will support projects in two primary sectors: Cognitive Cities and Health and Life Sciences, both explored through Cross-cutting Technologies such as AI and Robotics. Cognitive Cities projects may include Smart Mobility, Traffic Management, Smart Grids, and PropTech, while Health Sciences may explore topics like Precision Medicine, Genetic Sequencing, and Crop Resilience.
This initiative aims to position Dubai as a hub for international and regional researchers. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as universities and research institutions, to make this vision a reality.
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