Following the momentum built through the earlier funding rounds, the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of its Third Funding Round.
This round is intended to surface and support ambitious, original, and high-conviction research ideas that can help shape Dubai’s long-term research, development, and innovation future. While scientific excellence remains essential, round three places stronger emphasis on ideas with the potential to create a meaningful leap in capability, open new RDI pathways, or strengthen Dubai’s position in strategically important fields.
Universities and research institutes based in Dubai, working in collaboration with local and international academic institutions where relevant, are invited to submit proposals that combine strong science with clear strategic relevance to Dubai and the potential for distinctive long-term value.
Applications follow a competitive two-stage process:
Proposals are expected to demonstrate how the research supports Dubai’s RDI objectives and outcomes.
Proposals do not need to contribute to all of the above, but should clearly demonstrate a credible contribution to at least one objective and/or one outcome.
Applicants should start from a clearly defined challenge or opportunity within the priority areas (Cognitive Cities, Health and Life Sciences, and Environmental Sciences), and consider how relevant technologies can strengthen the proposed research and solution.
AI and other advanced technologies are encouraged where they can act as meaningful enablers, with proposals briefly explaining how their use enhances the quality, impact, or potential of the proposed solution.
Academic collaborations remain important. Strong engagement with government or industry partners is encouraged where it adds clear value to the research and its pathway to impact.
Earlier-stage research should explain why it is important, while more applied projects should show a clear pathway towards use, uptake, or commercialisation where relevant.
In this round, we are particularly interested in ambitious, original projects that can open new RDI pathways for Dubai, or create a clear step-change in capability, while also demonstrating a credible pathway to impact and value generation for Dubai.
This includes proposals that can reshape how key systems or sectors operate, or strengthen Dubai’s position in strategically important fields, rather than only extending existing work.
To broaden participation across Dubai’s research ecosystem, attract new talent into the local research ecosystem, and create opportunities for new research leaders, this round is open only to Principal Investigators (PIs) who have not previously received funding through the Dubai RDI Grants Initiative.
PIs who have previously been funded may continue to participate as Co-Principal Investigators, where applicable.
These program objectives advance Dubai’s wider RDI objectives (global RDI hub status, a knowledge-based economy, private-sector R&D investment, and high-skill jobs)
Letter of Intent must be endorsed by the applicant’s institution and demonstrate:
This Round Guidelines explains the opportunity for ambitious, frontier research that addresses strategic challenges and opportunities in Dubai’s priority sectors. It outlines how proposals should demonstrate scientific excellence, transformative potential, alignment with Dubai’s RDI objectives and outcomes, and a credible pathway to meaningful value for Dubai.
The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) provides practical information on eligibility, project phasing, and the application process.
Applicants should read the documents carefully before preparing and submitting a Letter of Intent.
