Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, highlighted the UAE’s leadership in pioneering innovative government practices, driven by the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. He emphasized that innovation has become a cornerstone of the UAE government, fostering positive societal impact.
His remarks came as UAE Innovates 2025, organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI), concluded its nationwide activities throughout February. Themed “Power of Innovation 10 – Where Does Your Strength Lie?”, the initiative marked a decade of fostering a culture of innovation across government and society.
Huda Al Hashimi, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, stated, “UAE Innovates encourages collaboration between government entities, businesses, academia, and communities, driving innovation across all sectors.”
The UAE Innovates Awards recognized groundbreaking projects across six categories:
Most Innovative Use of Resources – Fujairah Municipality’s Green Geopolymer Concrete project, a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete that enhances durability, reduces carbon emissions, and supports the circular economy.
Most Innovative Digital Transformation – Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) Digitally Optimised Substation project, which cuts operational costs by AED 2.7 million per station and eliminates thousands of electrical components through digital communication solutions.
Most Innovative Government Process – Dubai Municipality’s Montaji platform for streamlined product registration and safety compliance, and the Smart Driving Testing project by the Ministry of Interior, which integrates AI-powered sensors to enhance driving test efficiency.
Most Innovative Disruptive Project – Jointly awarded to Abu Dhabi’s Modular Villa Construction project, which accelerates housing solutions for Emiratis, and the Smart Travel System by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, which enables seamless biometric-based travel.
Most Innovative Project in Sustainability – The Surface Temperature Monitoring Platform for the Industrial Sector, developed by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, enhancing energy efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Most Impactful Social Innovation – The Dubai Weddings initiative by the Community Development Authority, part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which supports Emirati couples with marriage costs. By the end of 2024, it had facilitated 344 weddings, reflecting an 11.9% increase from 2023.
First launched as UAE Innovation Week in 2015 and expanded in 2017, UAE Innovates has grown into the country’s largest national innovation festival, embedding innovation into government strategies and cultural values. The 2025 edition reinforced the UAE’s commitment to transformative leadership and forward-thinking policies, solidifying its position as a global hub for innovation.
