Dubai Crown Prince Launches Grant Initiative For Research And Innovation

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), has approved the launch of the ‘Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative’. This initiative aims to fund various research projects that will drive significant advancements in Dubai's key economic sectors. The initiative is a major outcome of the Dubai Research and Development Programme, which was launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan in September 2022.

The ‘Dubai RDI Grant Initiative’ plans to support up to 20 research projects in its next phase. The selection process will adhere to specific criteria and standards. The initiative will focus on two main RDI Priority Sectors: Cognitive Cities and Health and Life Sciences. These sectors will be explored through Cross-cutting Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Systems.

Examples of research projects in Cognitive Cities include Smart Mobility, Traffic Management, Smart Grids, and PropTech. In Health and Life Sciences, potential topics include Precision Medicine, Preventive Genetic Sequencing, Cell-Cultured Foods, and Crop Resilience. AI applications will cover areas like Fintech, Natural Language Processing, and Computer Vision. Robotics Systems will focus on innovative applications in Logistics, Construction, Aviation, and Healthcare.

To achieve the initiative’s objectives and bring eligible projects to life, Dubai Future Foundation will collaborate with local and international partners across public and private sectors as well as universities and research institutions. This collaboration aims to strengthen national efforts to identify impactful upcoming transformations and prepare for them.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated that research initiatives are crucial for achieving Dubai’s vision for its key economic sectors. He emphasised that no effort would be spared in supporting projects that positively impact Dubai’s journey towards global leadership in scientific fields.

"With the launch of this initiative," His Highness added, "we aim to make Dubai among the most future-ready cities globally, prepared to harness scientific research for impactful accomplishments." He also highlighted the importance of making Dubai a preferred destination for regional and international scientists by strengthening collaboration between public-private sectors and academic institutions.

Strategic Framework for RDI

The Dubai Research and Development Programme aims to establish a comprehensive framework for fostering innovative RDI activities in Dubai. It outlines strategies for managing investments in RDI projects while aiming to increase local R&D expenditure. Additionally, it seeks to enhance private sector engagement in funding research projects.

The Programme also supports existing key economic sectors while creating new growth opportunities. It plays a crucial role in ensuring robust infrastructure for emerging sectors to enhance the emirate’s economic agility.

This initiative marks a significant step towards making Dubai a hub for scientific research and development. By focusing on strategic sectors like Cognitive Cities and Health Sciences through advanced technologies like AI and Robotics Systems, Dubai aims to lead globally in innovation.

With inputs from WAM