Dubai has awarded funding to a new cohort of high-impact research projects under the second cycle of the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation Grant Initiative, reinforcing the emirate’s push to accelerate scientific advancement and innovation across priority sectors.
The initiative, part of the Dubai RDI Program within the Dubai RDI Ecosystem, selected its funded projects from 358 submissions received from universities and research institutions across Dubai. Following a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, 73 projects reached the final stage, with the top proposals receiving grants of up to AED 1.5 million each.
The second cycle attracted 172 researchers from the UAE and abroad, supported by collaborative efforts involving 44 institutions across the UAE and 12 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, France, Australia, and Canada. Projects were assessed based on alignment with Dubai’s RDI priorities, innovation potential, expected sectoral impact, partnership opportunities, and budget efficiency.
This cycle focused on two strategic areas. The Future Cities track addressed smart mobility, climate-resilient urban systems, next-generation infrastructure, and the use of urban health data. The Health and Life Sciences track covered biological and clinical research, health innovation, biomedical engineering, biomanufacturing, and synthetic biology.
Khalifa Al Qama, Chief of Research, Development and Innovation at the Dubai Future Foundation, said the strong participation reflects Dubai’s growing research momentum and its commitment to supporting ideas that strengthen a knowledge-based, sustainable digital economy.
The funded projects are led by a broad range of Dubai-based academic institutions, highlighting the emirate’s role as a regional hub for collaborative research and future-focused innovation.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
