Launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2024 with the aim to fund bold, future-oriented research projects in Dubai.
The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has opened applications for the second cycle of the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative. This program invites universities and research institutions across Dubai to submit high-impact proposals geared toward driving progress in technology, economy, society, and innovation.
Developed in collaboration with local and international academic institutions, the initiative supports research that aligns with Dubai’s national priorities and future strategies. This cycle of the grant program emphasizes two main domains: Cognitive Cities and Health & Life Sciences, each featuring four specific topics that harness the latest advanced technologies.
The first domain, “Cognitive Cities,” focuses on specialized research aimed at developing smart mobility solutions, next-generation built environments and infrastructure, climate-neutral and resilient urban systems, and using urban health intelligence for proactive well-being. These areas represent a significant step toward futuristic urban living, making cities smarter and more efficient.
The second domain, “Health & Life Sciences,” targets key topics such as biological discovery and systems science, clinical and translational health, health innovation and engineering, and biomanufacturing and synthetic biology. These focal points are designed to push the boundaries of healthcare and life sciences, ensuring sustainable and innovative solutions for future generations.
Proposals for the RDI Grant will be evaluated based on several key criteria. These include alignment with Dubai’s RDI priority areas, potential for fostering future partnerships, capacity-building value, innovation in methodology and outcomes, sectoral impact, and budget viability. This rigorous evaluation process is designed to ensure that funded projects deliver real value to the community and beyond.
Applications are open until Friday, June 13, 2025, and can be submitted through the initiative’s website, www.dubairdi.ae. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to provide full proposals, and selected projects will receive financial support over durations of one to three years.
In its first cycle, the initiative funded 24 research projects from 13 universities and research institutions. These were chosen from a competitive pool of 374 innovative proposals submitted by 41 academic entities, showcasing the level of interest and expertise in the region. A total of 219 researchers benefited across various career stages, with focus areas that included Future Cities and Health and Life Sciences, particularly emphasizing applications of AI and robotics.
Launched in September 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, this initiative is part of the broader Dubai Research and Development Programme. It seeks to support forward-thinking research projects while cementing Dubai’s status as a global innovation leader.
Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director at Dubai Future Labs, emphasized that the initiative is crafted to support researchers and innovators, actively seeking to enhance RDI opportunities in Dubai. He added that it aims to advance future prospects through high-quality and technologically advanced research, providing the necessary technical direction and financial backing to bring pioneering ideas to fruition.
Furthermore, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan recently approved the objectives of Phase Two of the Dubai Research and Development Programme, allocating AED 750 million to expedite its development. This significant investment aims to cultivate a diverse and sustainable digital economy, enhancing Dubai’s global competitiveness across critical future sectors.
Supervised by DFF, the Dubai RDI Programme is dedicated to delivering tested, knowledge-driven solutions aimed at addressing local and global challenges. Its mission is to bolster sector productivity, support emerging industries, and enhance Dubai’s economic resilience and future preparedness.
For more information, please visit: www.dubairdi.ae.
