UAE Government Celebrates Winners Of UAE Innovates 2025 Award For Innovative Projects

The UAE has become a leader in innovative government practices, thanks to the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This approach focuses on creating positive societal impacts. Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, highlighted these achievements during the conclusion of "UAE Innovates 2025," held by the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI) throughout February.

Launched initially as UAE Innovation Week in 2015 and expanded in 2017, UAE Innovates is now the largest national event celebrating innovation across government and society. The initiative's theme, "Power of Innovation 10 – Where Does Your Strength Lie?", reflects a decade-long vision that has fostered a comprehensive movement where innovation is both a governmental strategy and a cultural value.

Huda Al Hashimi, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, stated that "UAE Innovates encourages collaboration between the government, businesses, academia, and the community, promoting innovation in all corners of the economy and society." This collaborative spirit is evident in various projects recognised during the event.

The UAE Innovates Award features six categories: Most Innovative Use of Resources, Most Innovative Digital Transformation, Most Innovative Government Process, Most Innovative Disruptive Project, Most Innovative Project in Sustainability, and a special award for Most Impactful Social Innovation. These categories highlight diverse areas where innovation can drive progress.

The Community Development Authority’s Dubai Weddings project was honoured with the Most Impactful Social Innovation award. Part of Dubai Social Agenda 33, this initiative helps Emirati couples manage marriage costs while promoting family stability. By late 2024, it had organised 344 weddings, an increase of 11.9% from 2023.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) received recognition in the Most Innovative Digital Transformation category for its Digitally Optimised Substation project. This initiative reduces energy waste and carbon emissions while saving AED2.7 million per station in operating costs. It also replaced over 8,000 electrical components with digital solutions.

Innovative Projects Across Sectors

Fujairah Municipality's Green Geopolymer Concrete project won the Most Innovative Use of Resources award. This sustainable alternative to traditional concrete reduces carbon emissions and enhances durability while supporting local manufacturing and export opportunities.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure's Surface Temperature Monitoring Platform for the Industrial Sector received the Most Innovative Project in Sustainability award. Developed with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, it identifies high-energy-consuming facilities to improve regulatory compliance.

Awards for the Most Innovative Government Process were given to Dubai Municipality’s Montaji platform and the Ministry of Interior’s Smart Driving Testing project. Montaji improves consumer product registration efficiency while promoting environmental sustainability. The Smart Driving Testing programme uses AI to enhance test efficiency and reduce costs.

The Modular Villa Construction project by Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre shared the Most Innovative Disruptive Project award with UAE Airports' Smart Travel System by Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. The villa project shortens housing wait times for Emiratis; meanwhile, biometric recognition streamlines travel procedures at airports.

This year's UAE Innovates event showcased how innovation can be integrated into various sectors to enhance efficiency and sustainability while fostering collaboration among different societal segments.

With inputs from WAM