Dubai announces Nad Zabeel, a new innovation campus set to attract 30,000 researchers annually

Dubai has announced Nad Zabeel, a research, development and innovation campus expected to bring together more than 30,000 scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs annually as the emirate expands investment in knowledge-based industries.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, witnessed the announcement of the project, launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Dubai Future Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Located in Zabeel Park, Nad Zabeel will house laboratories, research centers, innovation incubators and facilities designed to connect universities, global technology companies, investors, startups and government entities.

Construction and associated operations are expected to be completed within five years under the supervision of the Dubai Future Foundation.

The campus will focus on artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced technology, urban technology, and health and environmental technologies. It is intended to expand Dubai’s research capacity and strengthen the contribution of future industries to the emirate’s economy.

Nad Zabeel is designed to connect scientific research with investment, commercialization and regulation. The campus will host local and international investment firms, startups and entities involved in developing future legislation, while accelerator and incubator programs will help companies secure funding and scale their operations.

More than 30,000 scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs are expected to participate in its programs and events annually.

Sheikh Hamdan said Nad Zabeel would build on Dubai’s existing future-focused institutions by bringing research, development and innovation together to “transform knowledge into new economic and development opportunities.”

He added that Dubai aims to anticipate global changes, address future challenges and attract international talent.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE minister of cabinet affairs and managing director of Dubai Future Foundation, said the campus would connect researchers, universities, technology companies, investors and government entities while strengthening Dubai’s position as a destination for scientific talent and knowledge investment.

Nad Zabeel will form part of the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Ecosystem, established in December 2025 under Sheikh Hamdan’s directives and overseen by Dubai Future Foundation.

The ecosystem brings existing and planned RDI initiatives under a unified framework, supporting public- and private-sector organizations in developing solutions based on emerging technologies. Participating institutions include Dubai Future Labs and the MIT Senseable City Lab in Dubai.

The framework also includes the Dubai RDI Grant Initiative, which funds research projects and partnerships between universities, research centers and industry.

Earlier in 2026, Dubai Future Foundation backed 26 research projects led by 14 universities, selected from 358 submissions and involving 44 institutions across the UAE and 12 other countries.

The wider RDI program prioritizes health, environmental technology, smart infrastructure and human-machine intelligence. It targets an annual GDP contribution of $5.45 billion by 2033, 120,000 jobs and 600 startups, backed by $204 million in funding over three years.

Nad Zabeel also supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033 and position it among the world’s top three cities for business.

The campus is expected to contribute by attracting specialized talent and investment, supporting technology companies and startups, and connecting scientific research with commercial development and future regulation.

Located within one kilometer of landmarks and commercial centers, including Burj Khalifa, Dubai International Financial Center, the Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, and Dubai Frame, the campus is intended to integrate research activities into Dubai’s wider business ecosystem.

Nad Zabeel builds on Dubai’s efforts to move research into commercial applications, including the Dubai Future Foundation’s programs that develop and test autonomous logistics technologies for ports and airports. The campus will provide dedicated facilities for collaboration between research institutions, businesses, investors and government entities.