Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), has approved the launch of the ‘Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative’.
It stems from the Dubai Research and Development Programme, which Sheikh Hamdan introduced in September 2022.
The initiative, led by the DFF, aims to create a comprehensive framework for research, development, and innovation activities in Dubai, establishing strategies for managing and investing in related projects and legislation. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that RDI is key to realising Dubai’s vision for its key sectors, with the initiative set to support up to 20 projects in the next phase. The focus will be on two RDI Priority Sectors: Cognitive Cities and Health and Life Sciences, leveraging advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Systems.
Projects in Cognitive Cities could include Smart Mobility, Traffic Management, and PropTech, while Health and Life Sciences research may explore Precision Medicine, Genetic Sequencing, and Sustainable Agriculture.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that this initiative will make Dubai a hub for international scientists and researchers, encouraging greater collaboration between public and private sectors, universities, and research institutions. The DFF will collaborate with both local and international partners to ensure the successful implementation of eligible projects.
