Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced support for 26 research projects led by 14 universities and academic institutions in Dubai. This marks the conclusion of the second cycle of the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative.

The Initiative is part of the Dubai RDI Program under the Dubai RDI Ecosystem. The Ecosystem was formed following directives from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and is overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation. It provides a platform to advance research, development, and innovation across the emirate.

DFF reported that the funded projects were selected from 358 submissions. After a multi-stage evaluation, 73 projects reached the final stage, with the top projects receiving funding of up to AED 1.5 million each. The second cycle saw 172 researchers participate, collaborating with 44 institutions in the UAE and 12 countries, including Australia, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the US.

The projects focused on two areas: Future Cities, and Health and Life Sciences. Research on Future Cities addressed smart mobility solutions, next-generation infrastructure, climate-resilient urban systems, and urban health data for improved quality of life. Health and Life Sciences projects revealed advancements in biological discoveries, clinical and applied health, health innovation, biomedical engineering, biomanufacturing, and synthetic biology.

Khalifa Al Qama, Chief of Research, Development and Innovation at Dubai Future Foundation, noted that the Initiative reflects the growing momentum of research and innovation in Dubai. He said it supports projects that enhance Dubai’s knowledge-based economy and strengthen its competitiveness across strategic sectors.

The funded projects involve universities and institutions such as the University of Birmingham Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, American University in Dubai, University of Dubai, Zayed University, Emirates Aviation University, University of Wollongong Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, Canadian University Dubai, Amity University Dubai, and the Higher Colleges of Technology.

The Dubai RDI Program aims to develop evidence-based solutions to global challenges, enhance productivity in priority sectors, and create new pathways for economic growth. It also supports efforts to build infrastructure for emerging sectors and reinforce Dubai’s long-term economic resilience.

Key points:

• 26 research projects funded across 14 Dubai universities.
• AED 1.5 million funding per top project.
• Focus areas: Future Cities and Health and Life Sciences.

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