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 funding round will continue to support ambitious, high-impact research projects that align with Dubai’s strategic priorities in science, technology, and innovation, with greater emphasis on mission-driven RDI, long-term priorities, and economic outcomes while preserving scientific excellence.
Universities and research institutes based in Dubai are invited to begin preparing proposals, including developing collaborations with local and international academic partners where appropriate.
*Indicative timeline only: The dates in this timeline are provided for planning purposes and may be adjusted if required. While we will make every reasonable effort to follow the published schedule, we cannot guarantee that all stages will occur on the exact dates indicated. Should the timeline need to change, we will inform applicants as early and clearly as possible.
This round covers three Priority areas:
Proposals are expected to show 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 sectors (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 partnerships remain important, strong engagement with government or industry are encouraged, but they should add clear value to the research and 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 Projects Funding Programme. PIs who have previously been funded may continue to participate as Co-Principal Investigators, where applicable.
The Letters of Intent stage is designed to identify the most compelling ideas for further development. The following criteria will be used to evaluate Letters of Intent:
This early notice is intended to help prospective applicants begin internal planning, partnership development, and project preparation ahead of the formal launch of the Third Funding Round. Researchers and institutions are encouraged to begin identifying strong, original project concepts, relevant collaborators, and implementation arrangements in line with the revised timeline, the expanded thematic scope, including Environmental Sciences, and the round’s stronger emphasis on ambitious ideas with the potential to create meaningful advances for Dubai.
Further information, including full guidance and detailed requirements, will be provided when the Third Funding Round officially opens for applications.