Dubai Launches RDI Grant to Boost Innovation in Key Sectors

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), has announced the launch of the ‘Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative’. This initiative will provide crucial funding to advance research projects aimed at driving significant growth in Dubai’s key economic sectors.

The RDI Grant Initiative is part of the Dubai Research and Development Program, which was introduced by Sheikh Hamdan in September 2022. Led by Dubai Future Foundation, the program aims to foster innovative research and development activities in the emirate. It sets out strategies for managing and investing in RDI projects, increasing local R&D spending, and encouraging private sector involvement in launching groundbreaking research projects.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the critical role of research and development in shaping the future of Dubai’s key economic sectors. He reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to supporting research that will positively impact its journey toward global leadership in science and innovation. His vision is to make Dubai one of the most future-ready cities globally by harnessing scientific research to achieve major accomplishments.

The Dubai RDI Grant Initiative aims to support up to 20 research projects in the next phase, with a strong focus on key sectors such as Cognitive Cities and Health and Life Sciences. These projects will explore cross-cutting technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Systems to address future challenges in areas including Smart Mobility, Traffic Management, Smart Grids, Precision Medicine, and Robotics applications in various industries.

The Dubai Future Foundation will collaborate with local and international partners across public and private sectors, including universities and research institutions, to drive the success of these research projects. The initiative seeks to make Dubai a top destination for scientists and researchers, fostering a collaborative environment between the public and private sectors to achieve meaningful breakthroughs in science and technology.

The Dubai Research and Development Program continues to play a key role in enhancing the emirate’s economic agility, ensuring a solid infrastructure for emerging sectors, and supporting the city’s vision of becoming a global leader in research, development, and innovation.