Hamdan bin Mohammed approves launch of RDI Grant Initiative

The initiative is a key outcome of the Dubai Research and Development Programme, launched by Sheikh Hamdan in September 2022. Led by Dubai Future Foundation, the Dubai Research and Development Programme aims to establish a comprehensive framework for fostering innovative RDI activities in Dubai. It outlines strategies for managing and investing in RDI projects, initiatives, and legislation, while also aiming to increase local R&D expenditure, enhance private sector engagement in funding and launch research projects.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “Research and development initiatives are central to achieving Dubai’s vision for the future of its key economic sectors. We will spare no effort in supporting research projects that aim to positively impact our journey towards global leadership across all scientific fields.

“With the launch of this initiative, we aim to make Dubai amongst the most future-ready cities in the world, and the most prepared to harness scientific research to achieve impactful accomplishments,” he added.

“Dubai will become a destination of choice for regional and international scientists and researchers. To achieve this goal, we must strengthen collaboration and partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as universities and research institutions,” Sheikh Hamdan concluded.

The ‘Dubai RDI Grant Initiative’ aims to support up to 20 research projects in the next phase. The selection process will be governed by a specific set of criteria and standards.

The initiative will focus on two RDI Priority Sectors: Cognitive Cities and Health and Life Sciences, explored through Cross-cutting Technologies in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Robotics Systems.