Upcoming Projects in 2025

Two upcoming funding cycles are planned for 2025:

  • International Collaborative Research Funding
  • Dubai RDI 2025 Projects Funding Round - To be announced later this year

International Collaborative Research Funding

In collaboration with the National Research Foundation (NRF): Building on the success of its inaugural launch, the Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative is partnering with the National Research Foundation of Korea on a joint funding initiative that reinforces Dubai and Korea’s commitment to fostering global partnerships in cutting-edge research and innovation. The initiative will provide funding for pioneering research projects that drive advancements in Biotech and Environmental Technology (Green Tech), with a strong emphasis on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a cross-cutting technology. This strategic focus aligns with Dubai and Korea’s vision of becoming a global leader in scientific research and technological innovation. We invite researchers from Dubai and Korea to jointly submit research proposals for this initiative.

Upcoming Due Dates

Call for Application:

15th April 2025

Workshop introducing the program:

22nd April 2025

Submission deadline:

30th May 2025 18:00 KST(Korea), 00:00 GST (UAE)

Announcement of selected projects:

September 2025

Dubai RDI Grant Initiative Application Guidelines

Funding Overview:

  • UAE: AED 250,000 per project (AED 125,000/year)
  • Korea: KRW 100 million per project (KRW 50 million/year)
  • Duration: 2 years (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2027)
  • Number of Projects: 3 selected projects

Research Focus Areas:

  • Biotechnology: Innovations in medical and life sciences, including precision medicine, genetics, and bioengineering.
  • Environmental Technology (Green Tech): Solutions in renewable energy, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure.
  • ICT Integration (Cross-cutting): Digital tech to support and enhance biotech and green tech research.

Eligibility:

  • UAE: Researchers from Dubai-based universities/research institutions approved by MoE and MoIAT. Students may participate but not lead projects.
  • Korea: Researchers from institutions recognized under the National Research and Development Innovation Act. The same student participation rule applies.

Application Details:

  • Applicants must find their partners in the other country by themselves.
  • UAE submissions: in English, Via DFF's Grants System (www.grants.dubairdi.ae).
  • Korea submissions: Via NRF’s IRIS System (www.iris.go.kr), proposal in Korean + English application.
  • Both submissions must be completed on time in both countries for eligibility.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Research excellence
  • Quality and creativity of the implementation plan
  • Strength and relevance of international cooperation
  • Potential impact of research outcomes

Eligibility criteria for Applicants

Applicants for grant funding must:

Have a PhD degree in a field relevant to RDI

Be fully affiliated with a Dubai-based Higher Education Institution (HEI) or research centre

Have a displayed track record of research excellence

Affiliated Institution

Applications are subject to the official support of their affiliated institution providing the following supportive measures

  • Reduction of faculty workload to accommodate for the faculty member's contribution in the research project
  • Accelerated RDI procurement to support the proposed research activities
  • Accelerated hiring process to increase headcount to support proposed research activities
  • Ability to hire research staff (research assistants, engineers, etc.)
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