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 the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), has officially approved the launch of the ‘Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative.’ This program aims to provide crucial funding for various research projects that will drive significant advancements in Dubai’s key economic sectors.
This initiative represents a significant result of the Dubai Research and Development Program, which was launched by Sheikh Hamdan in September 2022. Spearheaded by the Dubai Future Foundation, the program seeks to create a comprehensive framework to promote innovative RDI activities in Dubai. It establishes strategies for managing and investing in RDI projects and initiatives, while also aiming to boost local R&D spending and enhance private sector involvement in funding and launching research projects.
Positioning Dubai as a future-ready city
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that research and development initiatives are essential for realizing Dubai’s vision for its key economic sectors. He stated that there would be no effort spared in supporting research projects aimed at positively influencing the journey toward global leadership in various scientific fields.
He further remarked that the initiative’s launch is intended to position Dubai as one of the most future-ready cities globally and to effectively leverage scientific research for significant achievements.
Attracting global talent
Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted the goal of making Dubai a preferred destination for both regional and international scientists and researchers. He concluded by stressing the importance of strengthening collaboration and partnerships among the public and private sectors, as well as universities and research institutions, to achieve this vision.
Funding and focus areas
The ‘Dubai RDI Grant Initiative’ is poised to fund up to 20 research projects in its next phase, with a selection process guided by established criteria and standards, Dubai Media Office reported. The initiative will concentrate on two RDI Priority Sectors: Cognitive Cities and Health and Life Sciences, utilizing Cross-cutting Technologies in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Systems.
Research opportunities in key sectors
Research projects in the Cognitive Cities sector may include areas such as Smart Mobility, Traffic Management, Smart Grids, and PropTech. In Health and Life Sciences, potential topics could involve Precision Medicine, Preventive Genetic Sequencing, Cell-Cultured Foods, and Crop Resilience. AI applications will focus on domains like Fintech, Natural Language Processing, and Computer Vision, while Robotics Systems will explore innovative robotic solutions in critical sectors such as Logistics, Construction, Aviation, and Healthcare.
To realize the objectives of this initiative and bring eligible projects to fruition, the Dubai Future Foundation will collaborate with a network of local and international partners across public and private sectors, as well as universities and research institutions.
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Broader goals of the Dubai Research and Development Program
The Dubai Research and Development Program aims to cultivate innovative, knowledge-driven solutions to tackle pressing local and global challenges. It also seeks to support existing key economic sectors while generating new growth opportunities. Furthermore, the program enhances national efforts to identify impactful forthcoming transformations, ensuring readiness and adaptation. It plays a vital role in establishing a robust infrastructure for emerging sectors, thereby increasing the emirate’s economic agility.
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