Dubai Research Grant Applications Now Open for Second Cycle
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced the opening of applications for the second cycle of the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative.
The program invites universities and research institutions across Dubai to submit high-impact proposals. These proposals should aim to drive progress in technology, the economy, society, and innovation.
Launched in collaboration with local and international academic institutions, the initiative supports research aligned with Dubai's national priorities and future strategies.
This cycle focuses on two main domains: Cognitive Cities and Health & Life Sciences. Each domain includes four topics that use advanced technologies.
DFF revealed that the 'Cognitive Cities' domain supports research in: Smart mobility solutions
Next-generation built environments and infrastructure
Climate-neutral, resilient urban systems
Urban health intelligence for proactive well-being
Meanwhile, the 'Health & Life Sciences' domain targets: Biological discovery and systems science
Clinical and translational health
Health innovation and engineering
Biomanufacturing and synthetic biology
The foundation reported that proposals will be evaluated based on several criteria. These include alignment with Dubai's RDI priority areas, innovation in methodology, sectoral impact, and budget viability.
Applications will remain open until Friday, 13 June 2025. Submissions can be made via www.dubairdi.ae. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit full proposals. Selected projects will receive financial support for periods ranging from one to three years.
In the first cycle, the initiative funded 24 research projects from 13 institutions. These were chosen from 374 proposals submitted by 41 academic entities. A total of 219 researchers across various career stages benefitted from the program.
The focus areas in the first cycle included Future Cities and Health & Life Sciences. These projects strongly emphasized AI and robotics applications.
The initiative was launched in September 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He is the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF.
DFF stated that the initiative is part of the broader Dubai Research and Development Programme. It aims to fund bold, future-oriented research and cement Dubai's status as a global innovation leader.
Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director at Dubai Future Labs, said the initiative is designed to support researchers and innovators in Dubai. He added that it provides technical direction and financial support to bring pioneering ideas to life.
He also noted that the program builds an integrated platform to encourage scientific research and foresight thinking. This helps develop breakthrough ideas and strengthens Dubai's position as a global hub for creative minds.
Recently, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan approved the goals for Phase Two of the Dubai R&D Programme. He allocated AED 750 million to accelerate its progress.
The program aims to enable a sustainable digital economy and enhance Dubai's global competitiveness in key future sectors.
Overseen by DFF, the Dubai RDI Programme focuses on delivering tested, knowledge-based solutions. It also seeks to boost productivity, support emerging industries, and enhance Dubai's economic resilience and readiness for the future.
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