Dubai RDI Grant Initiative Funds 26 Research Projects Across Dubai Universities

Dubai Future Foundation has confirmed funding for 26 research projects from 14 universities and academic institutions in Dubai, closing the second cycle of the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation Grant Initiative. Each selected project is receiving up to AED1.5 million, following a competitive process that drew 358 submissions from higher education and research entities across the emirate.

The Dubai RDI Grant Initiative sits within the wider Dubai RDI Programme and Dubai RDI Ecosystem, created under directives from H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Ecosystem is managed by Dubai Future Foundation and operates as a unified platform to support research, development and innovation work throughout Dubai’s key economic and social sectors.

The second grant cycle has centred on two priority themes: Future Cities, and Health and Life Sciences. Future Cities projects have studied smart mobility, advanced buildings and infrastructure, climate-resilient urban systems, and the use of health data in cities to improve quality of life. Health and Life Sciences research has addressed discoveries in biology, clinical practice, innovation and biomanufacturing.

Within Health and Life Sciences, projects have covered systems science, applied health, biomedical engineering and synthetic biology. Researchers have explored new biological mechanisms and potential clinical uses. They have also examined how health technologies and manufacturing methods could support more resilient health systems, which is a strategic interest for Dubai and international partners involved in the funded collaborations.

Submissions in the second cycle have passed through several screening stages before funding approval. Reviewers have assessed alignment with Dubai’s priority research, development and innovation themes, and the prospects for future partnerships. They have also examined capacity building contributions, originality of methods and expected outcomes, likely influence on strategic sectors, and efficient use of financial resources.

The grant round has attracted 172 researchers based in the UAE and other countries. Collaborative work has involved 44 institutions in the UAE and 12 international partners from Australia, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and the United States. This mix has created cross-border teams working on shared economic and societal challenges.

Dubai RDI Grant Initiative support from Dubai Future Foundation

Khalifa Al Qama, Chief of Research, Development and Innovation at Dubai Future Foundation, has said the breadth of participation in the second cycle shows the growing strength of scientific research and innovation in Dubai. Al Qama has also stressed that the emirate remains committed to backing researchers and innovators across a range of important fields.

Al Qama has explained that the Dubai RDI Grant Initiative is helping fund high-impact research and new concepts that respond to the needs of vital sectors. The initiative is designed to support a diversified and sustainable digital economy based on knowledge and advanced technologies, while boosting Dubai’s competitiveness in future-oriented strategic sectors globally and regionally.

Dubai RDI Grant Initiative participating institutions and programme goals

The supported projects are being led by a wide group of universities and academic organisations in Dubai. These include long-established international branches and local institutions, covering engineering, health, policy and technology-focused disciplines. Their involvement reflects the broad academic base backing Dubai’s plans for research, development and innovation across multiple industries and policy areas.

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The Dubai RDI Programme, under which the grant initiative operates, aims to produce evidence-based and test-driven solutions to priority local and global issues. It seeks to raise productivity in key sectors and open new economic opportunities. Through the Ecosystem, Dubai Future Foundation is working to link research outcomes with practical applications that support sustainable growth.

With inputs from WAM