Sheikh Hamdan launches unified research and innovation platform in Dubai
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Dubai announced a new unified structure on Wednesday to concentrate its research, development and innovation efforts under a single platform.
The directive by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed establishes the Dubai RDI Ecosystem, a framework designed to coordinate government and private-sector innovation projects, link research institutions, and streamline regulatory testing through programs such as Sandbox Dubai. The system will be overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation, with Khalifa Al Qama appointed as Chief of Research, Development and Innovation to lead implementation.
Officials said the framework will connect existing initiatives, including Dubai Future Labs, the MIT Senseable City Lab in Dubai, the Dubai Robotics and Automation Program and national RDI schemes, so that research, regulation and applied innovation operate in a single network. The ecosystem will also house a grant initiative intended to support scientific research and speed up development of solutions in priority sectors.
The move is intended to deepen collaboration with universities, laboratories and international partners while positioning Dubai as a centre for programs aimed at future economies.