Dubai unveils unified platform to drive future innovation

Dubai is launching a unified platform to advance research, development and innovation across the emirate.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has directed the establishment of the Dubai RDI Ecosystem.

The initiative, overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation, aims to accelerate Dubai’s innovation agenda and strengthen its position as a global hub for future economies.

Sheikh Hamdan has also approved the appointment of Khalifa Al Qama as Chief of Research, Development and Innovation at the Foundation to lead the effort.

The Dubai RDI Ecosystem will act as a unified platform, bringing together current and future innovation projects and enabling collaboration between government and private sector partners to develop advanced, future-focused technologies.

It will guide the work of leading research institutions, including Dubai Future Labs and the MIT Senseable City Lab in Dubai, support national programmes such as the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme, and advance regulatory innovation through Sandbox Dubai.

The ecosystem also includes the Dubai RDI Grant initiative, designed to support pioneering research and accelerate solutions to future challenges.

Officials say the integrated approach will strengthen Dubai’s global partnerships with universities, research centres and academic institutions worldwide.

Hamdan bin Mohammed directs the establishment of the Dubai RDI Ecosystem, an integrated ecosystem to advance research, development, and innovation across Dubai, overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation, and approves the appointment of Khalifa Al Qama as Chief of Research,… pic.twitter.com/BYJfbSmK7P

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 17, 2025