Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation Grant Initiative: Mission, key priorities, and criteria

• The Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation Grant Initiative aims to position Dubai as a global leader in scientific research and innovation.
• The program will provide access to funding and essential resources for groundbreaking projects.
• Researchers can apply for grants to help improve Dubai’s business environment and ensure long-term socio-economic competitiveness.

Dubai has been taking strategic measures to establish itself as a future-ready metropolis, attracting innovative talents and entrepreneurs locally and internationally. Its leadership has introduced an array of projects designed to position the emirate among the top cities in the world. Indeed, business opportunities in Dubai have been growing as its government proactively works to achieve socio-economic stability.

In line with this, a new program has been unveiled to support innovative sectors and conceptualise fresh avenues for growth by establishing a well-detailed framework for research, development, and innovation in Dubai. The Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative is an integral endeavour in this vision.

Funding and resource platforms for innovative projects

Recognising that research and development are fundamental to enhancing the performance of economies, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence launched the RDI Grant Initiative. It is part of the Dubai Research and Development Program, which is run by the Dubai Future Foundation. Its purpose is to provide researchers with access to world-class research facilities or companies, critical resources, and grant funding procedures.

The program will develop a platform for future collaborations that pave the way for the development of groundbreaking solutions as well as business opportunities in Dubai.

“Research and development are fundamental to the success of cities, nations, and economies. Our vision is for Dubai to become one of the world’s top cities in supporting researchers and scientists by offering the necessary funding, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks to…

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) September 15, 2024

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, said that the initiative aims to make Dubai among the top future-ready cities globally. Its success will also position the emirate among the best cities that are prepared to harness scientific research to achieve impactful accomplishments.

The focus of Dubai’s new RDI program

Dubai is further pushing the envelope with the adoption of next-generation technologies, such as blockchain, 3D printing, AI, and big data. As such, the program will fund groundbreaking research projects that utilise these advancements, which will help ensure that the developments yield practical solutions capable of transforming industries and addressing global challenges.

Furthermore, the initiative seeks to contribute to the strengthening of the emirate’s existing RDI framework to attract and retain world-class researchers.

The key priorities

The next phase of the program will support up to 20 research projects across four key areas:

• Health and Well-Being
• Environmental Technology
• Smart Built Infrastructure
• Space and Augmented Human-Machine Intelligence

In addition, scientists and researchers in health and life sciences could look into crucial areas such as precision medicine, preventive genetic sequencing, lab-grown foods, and crop resilience. Meanwhile, inventive robotics professionals may examine cutting-edge solutions in domains such as logistics, construction, aviation, and healthcare. AI applications will also focus on fintech, natural language processing, and computer vision.

Those skilled in cognitive cities may research and apply subjects such as smart mobility, traffic management, smart grids, and property technology (PropTech). Undoubtedly, these focus areas will present a wealth of business opportunities in Dubai — especially for those operating in these sectors. It’s worth noting that to fulfil the initiative’s goals, the Dubai Future Foundation will work alongside industry experts, universities and research organisations government figures, and investors within and outside of the country.

Application guidelines of the RDI program

For researchers looking to apply for funding and access to resources, the Dubai RDI Grant Initiative has outlined the following guidelines:

• Researchers may receive grants of up to AED500,000 to AED1.5M, with project durations ranging from 12 to 36 months
• Each Principal Investigator (PI) may submit one proposal, with no limit on Co-PIs per project
• At least 50% of project activities must be based in Dubai
• Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field and be fully affiliated with a Dubai-based institution
• Proposals may involve partnerships with local or international research teams, provided they have institutional backing

Boosting economic success and business opportunities in Dubai

The Dubai RDI Grant Initiative represents a significant step forward in the emirate’s ambition to become a world leader in scientific research and technological innovation. With a clear focus on emerging technologies and strategic sectors, this initiative is designed to support transformative projects that can deliver lasting economic and social impact. The program will inevitably improve Dubai’s business environment, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of global innovation.