The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has committed funding to 24 research projects from 13 higher education institutions, reinforcing Dubai's ambition to become a global leader in transformative technological innovation. The Dubai Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Grant launched its first cycle in September 2024 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Dubai RDI Grant: 24 Projects Selected from 374 Submissions
The initiative's evaluation committee selected the 24 funded projects from a pool of 374 submissions originating from 41 universities and research institutes across Dubai. The strong response underscores the depth of research talent in the emirate and the demand for structured public funding of applied science.
The programme prioritises four key research domains: cognitive cities, artificial intelligence, health and life sciences, and robotics — fields identified as critical to shaping the future of both Dubai and the wider region.
Participating Universities and Research Areas
The 13 institutions whose projects received RDI Grant funding include:
- University of Dubai — AI-driven Alzheimer's detection - Canadian University Dubai — AI and health research - University of Wollongong in Dubai — AI in electric vehicle sustainability - Middlesex University Dubai — AI-driven supply chain solutions - Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences - Zayed University - Heriot-Watt University Dubai - Rochester Institute of Technology in Dubai - American University in Dubai - American University in the Emirates - Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani — Dubai - Higher Colleges of Technology - University of Birmingham Dubai
Funded projects span a wide range of applied challenges, including early Alzheimer's diagnosis through artificial intelligence, autonomous electric vehicles, and smart supply chain optimisation.
Building a Knowledge-Based Economy
Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director of Dubai Future Labs, explained the strategic rationale behind the initiative: "Dubai is committed to empowering researchers, scientists, and academics by fostering innovation and expanding the frontiers of knowledge both locally and globally."
The RDI Grant reflects Dubai's broader push to shift its economy toward knowledge-intensive industries. By channelling government resources into university-led research, the DFF aims to bridge the gap between academic discovery and real-world application in healthcare, infrastructure, and industry.
As the emirate scales its investment in research and innovation, the RDI Grant positions Dubai alongside established global science hubs — translating Sheikh Hamdan's vision for a future-ready city into funded, practical research outcomes.
