The Dubai Future Foundation has announced the selection of 24 research projects from 13 universities and academic institutions that participated in the 'Support and Funding for Research, Development, and Innovation in Dubai' initiative.

This initiative, launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to provide necessary funding for innovative and high-quality projects that enhance Dubai's status as a leading city in global readiness for the future.

These projects were chosen from a total of 374 innovative proposals submitted by 41 universities and research institutions that engaged in the initiative, which was launched less than six months ago.

A total of 219 researchers at various levels will benefit from the initiative at this stage, and the research is scheduled to commence no later than March 31. The 'Support and Funding for Research, Development, and Innovation Initiative' is a product of the 'Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation Program' initiated by Sheikh Hamdan in September 2022, under the oversight of the Dubai Future Foundation.

The initiative aims to consolidate Dubai’s position among the world's foremost cities in readiness for the future, utilizing advanced scientific and applied research in creating future opportunities.

Khalifa Al Qama, Director of Dubai Future Labs, highlighted that the significant interest in the initiative reflects Dubai's leadership in supporting researchers and academic institutions, underlining the commitment to fostering research, development, and innovation.

The initiative focuses on two main areas: future cities and health and life sciences, leveraging artificial intelligence and robotics applications.

The Dubai Future Foundation will work to achieve the initiative’s goals and develop the participant projects in collaboration with partners from various government, private, research, and academic sectors both within the United Arab Emirates and internationally.

A wide array of universities and academic institutions has qualified for the next phase of the initiative’s funding, including Dubai University, Canadian University Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Wollongong University in Dubai.

Others include American University in Dubai, American University in the Emirates, Middlesex University Dubai, Zayed University, Birla Institute of Technology and Science - Pilani in Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai, Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, and Birmingham University Dubai.

These institutions collaborated with 43 local and international organizations from 16 countries to develop research ideas and projects.

Dr. Yassine Hajjiyate, a professor at the College of Medicine at Mohammed Bin Rashid University, emphasized the aim of the initiative to develop global health technology solutions that enhance patient care and pain management through real-time data and wearable devices.

Meanwhile, Dr. Firoz Kamalov, an electrical engineering professor at Canadian University Dubai, noted the alignment of the initiative with Dubai's leadership in health and AI research at a global level.

Dr. Hamza Khazael, a professor at the College of Engineering and Information Technology at Dubai University, elaborated on their project's focus on innovative approaches for early Alzheimer’s detection by integrating medical sensors with advanced deep learning models and AI-assisted diagnostics.

Additionally, Dr. Mai Al Baratchi, Dean of the School of Computer Science at Wollongong University in Dubai, highlighted their initiative aimed at using advanced AI tools to enhance electric vehicle systems, supporting Dubai's sustainable transportation vision.

Dr. Sreejith Palasubramaniam, Associate Professor and Head of the Research Office at Middlesex University Dubai, discussed opportunities in AI and digital twin technology as pivotal for developing innovative and cost-effective solutions that enhance manufacturing efficiency and sustainability.

The Dubai Research and Development Program, overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation, seeks to generate knowledge-based and experiential solutions to key local and global challenges, enhance productivity across various sectors, and develop new pathways that add economic value.

The program further supports national efforts to identify and address major transformative shifts, preparing the infrastructure for new sectors that bolster economic resilience and readiness for the future.

In another development, the University of Salerno in Italy has honored Abdullah Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Council of the UAE, with two honorary doctorate degrees in Humanities and Intercultural Cooperation.

This recognition reflects Al Hamed's significant contributions to enhancing cultural dialogue and supporting humanitarian initiatives.

He received the accolades during a ceremony at the university, highlighting UAE's commitment to promoting understanding and collaboration among nations.