Dubai Establishes Comprehensive RDI Ecosystem to Cement Global Innovation Leadership

Dubai Unifies Research, Development, and Innovation Efforts

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), has directed the establishment of the Dubai RDI Ecosystem. Announced on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, this integrated framework aims to advance research, development, and innovation across the emirate. The initiative is designed to unify and coordinate RDI efforts, accelerating Dubai's innovation agenda and reinforcing its position as a global capital for future economies.

The new ecosystem will operate under the supervision of the Dubai Future Foundation, with Khalifa Al Qama appointed as Chief of Research, Development and Innovation at DFF to lead its implementation across strategic sectors.

Strategic Objectives and Integrated Framework

The primary objective of the Dubai RDI Ecosystem is to serve as a unified platform, bringing together both current and future innovation projects within the emirate. This comprehensive framework is set to enable government and private sector entities to develop breakthrough ideas powered by advanced technologies and future-focused applications.

Key goals of the ecosystem include:

• Coordinating government and private-sector innovation projects.
• Linking research institutions and streamlining regulatory testing.
• Deepening collaboration with universities, laboratories, and international partners.
• Positioning Dubai as a center for programs aimed at future economies.

Key Components and Initiatives

The Dubai RDI Ecosystem will integrate and guide the work of several leading research institutions and national initiatives. These include Dubai Future Labs, the MIT Senseable City Lab in Dubai, the Dubai Robotics and Automation Program, and other national RDI schemes.

A crucial component of the ecosystem is regulatory innovation, which will be guided through Sandbox Dubai. This initiative will engage with public bodies and global corporations to support innovation-friendly regulation and accelerate the testing and deployment of new technologies.

Furthermore, the ecosystem incorporates the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation Grant Initiative, which was previously approved by Sheikh Hamdan. This grant initiative is designed to support pioneering projects, foster scientific discovery, and accelerate solutions to future challenges. It focuses on critical areas such as Cognitive Cities and Health and Life Sciences, utilizing cross-cutting technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Systems.

Future Vision for Dubai

The establishment of the Dubai RDI Ecosystem underscores Dubai's commitment to becoming a global leader in innovation and a future-ready city. By fostering a collaborative environment between public and private sectors, universities, and research institutions, the emirate aims to attract top-tier researchers and talent, boost local R&D spending, and enhance its economic resilience. This strategic move is expected to drive significant advancements in Dubai's key economic sectors and contribute to its long-term vision for a knowledge and innovation-driven economy.