Dubai boosts efforts to rank among world's most future-ready cities

The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced funding for 24 innovative research projects from 13 universities, aimed at enhancing the city's position as a global leader in future-ready technologies.

The projects, selected from 374 submissions by 41 universities and research institutes, are part of the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation Grant Initiative (RDI), launched in September 2024.

The initiative prioritises research in cognitive cities and health and life sciences, with a strong focus on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic systems to drive advancements.

Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director of Dubai Future Labs at DFF, emphasized Dubai’s commitment to empowering researchers and advancing cutting-edge scientific innovation.

Funded projects come from various universities including, University of Dubai, Canadian University Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong in Dubai, American University in Dubai, American University in the Emirates, Middlesex University Dubai, Zayed University, Birla Institute of Technology and Science - Pilani in Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Higher Colleges of Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology in Dubai, and University of Birmingham Dubai.

Dubai Future Foundation announces funding for 24 research projects from 13 universities and academic institutions as part of the Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation Grant Initiative, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global hub for future-focused innovation. pic.twitter.com/szaXygTEye

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 7, 2025