Latest news with #KhalifaAlQama
TECHx
a day ago
- Science
- TECHx
Dubai Research Grant Applications Now Open for Second Cycle
Home » Smart Sectors » Education » Dubai Research Grant Applications Now Open for Second Cycle Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced the opening of applications for the second cycle of the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative. The program invites universities and research institutions across Dubai to submit high-impact proposals. These proposals should aim to drive progress in technology, the economy, society, and innovation. Launched in collaboration with local and international academic institutions, the initiative supports research aligned with Dubai's national priorities and future strategies. This cycle focuses on two main domains: Cognitive Cities and Health & Life Sciences. Each domain includes four topics that use advanced technologies. DFF revealed that the 'Cognitive Cities' domain supports research in: Smart mobility solutions Next-generation built environments and infrastructure Climate-neutral, resilient urban systems Urban health intelligence for proactive well-being Meanwhile, the 'Health & Life Sciences' domain targets: Biological discovery and systems science Clinical and translational health Health innovation and engineering Biomanufacturing and synthetic biology The foundation reported that proposals will be evaluated based on several criteria. These include alignment with Dubai's RDI priority areas, innovation in methodology, sectoral impact, and budget viability. Applications will remain open until Friday, 13 June 2025. Submissions can be made via Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit full proposals. Selected projects will receive financial support for periods ranging from one to three years. In the first cycle, the initiative funded 24 research projects from 13 institutions. These were chosen from 374 proposals submitted by 41 academic entities. A total of 219 researchers across various career stages benefitted from the program. The focus areas in the first cycle included Future Cities and Health & Life Sciences. These projects strongly emphasized AI and robotics applications. The initiative was launched in September 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He is the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF. DFF stated that the initiative is part of the broader Dubai Research and Development Programme. It aims to fund bold, future-oriented research and cement Dubai's status as a global innovation leader. Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director at Dubai Future Labs, said the initiative is designed to support researchers and innovators in Dubai. He added that it provides technical direction and financial support to bring pioneering ideas to life. He also noted that the program builds an integrated platform to encourage scientific research and foresight thinking. This helps develop breakthrough ideas and strengthens Dubai's position as a global hub for creative minds. Recently, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan approved the goals for Phase Two of the Dubai R&D Programme. He allocated AED 750 million to accelerate its progress. The program aims to enable a sustainable digital economy and enhance Dubai's global competitiveness in key future sectors. Overseen by DFF, the Dubai RDI Programme focuses on delivering tested, knowledge-based solutions. It also seeks to boost productivity, support emerging industries, and enhance Dubai's economic resilience and readiness for the future.
Hi Dubai
a day ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Future Foundation Opens Second Round of RDI Grant to Drive Innovation in Key Sectors
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has launched the second cycle of its Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Grant Initiative, calling on universities and research institutions in Dubai to submit proposals that tackle pressing challenges across technology, health, and urban development. The initiative, part of the broader Dubai RDI Programme launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2024, aims to fund high-impact, future-focused research aligned with Dubai's strategic priorities. Applications for the second cycle are open until June 13 via their website. This cycle focuses on two core domains: Cognitive Cities and Health & Life Sciences. The former covers areas such as smart mobility, climate-resilient infrastructure, urban health intelligence, and next-generation city design. The latter includes research in clinical health, biomanufacturing, systems science, and medical innovation. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full proposals, with selected projects receiving funding for up to three years. Evaluation criteria include relevance to Dubai's innovation agenda, potential for partnerships, scalability, and long-term impact. In its inaugural cycle, the initiative funded 24 projects from 13 academic institutions, chosen from 374 submissions. Over 200 researchers across career stages participated, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and robotics in health and urban systems. Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director at Dubai Future Labs, said the programme empowers researchers and innovators to bring transformative ideas to life, positioning Dubai as a global hub for knowledge and technology. With AED750 million allocated for Phase Two of the Dubai RDI Programme, the grant initiative is a key driver in building a diverse, sustainable digital economy and advancing Dubai's global competitiveness. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Mid East Info
26-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Majid Al Futtaim & DFF Launch People-First Retail Robotics Pilot - Middle East Business News and Information
First-of-its-kind robotics pilot launches at City Centre Mirdif to reimagine how shoppers navigate malls. • Collaboration focuses on real-world feedback to ensure robots adapt to people – not the other way around. Dubai, May 2025: Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has partnered with Majid Al Futtaim, the leading retail, leisure, and lifestyle group in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration to explore the future of robotics in retail—starting not in labs, but in shopping malls with real shoppers. The partnership showcases a live pilot at City Centre Mirdif , featuring two avatar-style robots are assisting visitors in navigating the mall. This trial is part of a broader initiative aimed at understanding how robotics can enhance everyday experiences in shopping centres, hotels, and entertainment destinations – making them more intuitive, connected, and human. Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director of Dubai Future Labs, said: 'This partnership with Majid Al Futtaim falls under the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme, which was launched to drive the development, testing, and adoption of advanced technologies across Dubai's key sectors. By deploying robotics in high-traffic public spaces, we're reinforcing Dubai's position as a regional and global leader in building a future-ready city.' This pilot reflects Majid Al Futtaim's broader vision to reimagine the future of customer experience through responsible AI and emerging technology. Rather than showcasing innovation for its own sake, the focus is on using real-time feedback and live interactions to inform practical applications of robotics in retail. From wayfinding and accessibility to enhanced service response and operational efficiency, the City Centre Mirdif initiative marks the first phase of a multi-stage journey to scale people-first, AI-enabled solutions across Majid Al Futtaim's portfolio. It's one of several technology initiatives being implemented under the group's wider digital transformation strategy, all designed to deliver seamless, useful and memorable experiences. Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Managing Director of Majid Al Futtaim Shopping Malls in the UAE, added: 'We are proud to see City Centre Mirdif at the forefront of innovation with this unique robotics pilot in collaboration with Dubai Future Foundation. This is a natural next step in our journey to deliver smarter, more responsive retail environments that prioritise people. From wayfinding assistance to creating memorable experiences, we believe emerging technology – when used responsibly – can meaningfully elevate how customers engage with our destinations. This is only the beginning for us in this line of innovation.' The pilot is part of a large research collaboration between Dubai Future Labs (DFL) and Osaka University, under Japan's Moonshot Research and Development Programme – supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency. The programme aims to establish an 'Avatar-Symbiotic Society' by 2050, enabling people to transcend physical and spatial limitations through advanced robotics. In parallel, Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) DFF and Majid Al Futtaim are also addressing the legal, ethical, and societal implications from the outset, ensuring that the integration of technology is both responsible reflective of community needs and values. By bringing robotics into public life in a measured, human-centric way, this partnership represents a significant step toward making advanced technologies more accessible, meaningful, and trusted.
Gulf Business
26-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Hi-tech shopping: AI robots are here to help you shop in Dubai
Image credit: Getty Images (Picture used for illustrative purposes) Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has partnered with Majid Al Futtaim—the leading retail, leisure, and lifestyle group in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia—in a first-of-its-kind collaboration to explore the future of robotics in retail, starting not in labs but in shopping malls with real shoppers. Read- The partnership features a live pilot at City Centre Mirdif, where two avatar-style robots are assisting visitors in navigating the mall. This trial is part of a broader initiative aimed at understanding how robotics can enhance everyday experiences in shopping centres, hotels, and entertainment destinations—making them more intuitive, connected, and human, Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme 'This partnership with Majid Al Futtaim falls under the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme, which was launched to drive the development, testing, and adoption of advanced technologies across Dubai's key sectors. By deploying robotics in high-traffic public spaces, we're reinforcing Dubai's position as a regional and global leader in building a future-ready city,' said Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director of Dubai Future Labs. This pilot reflects Majid Al Futtaim's broader vision to reimagine the future of customer experience through responsible AI and emerging technology. Rather than showcasing innovation for its own sake, the focus is on using real-time feedback and live interactions to inform practical applications of robotics in retail. AI-enabled solutions across Majid Al Futtaim's portfolio From wayfinding and accessibility to enhanced service response and operational efficiency, the City Centre Mirdif initiative marks the first phase of a multi-stage journey to scale people-first, AI-enabled solutions across Majid Al Futtaim's portfolio. It is one of several technology initiatives under the group's wider digital transformation strategy, all designed to deliver seamless, useful, and memorable experiences. Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Managing Director of Majid Al Futtaim Shopping Malls in the UAE, stated: 'We are proud to see City Centre Mirdif at the forefront of innovation with this unique robotics pilot in collaboration with Dubai Future Foundation. This is a natural next step in our journey to deliver smarter, more responsive retail environments that prioritise people. From wayfinding assistance to creating memorable experiences, we believe emerging technology—when used responsibly—can meaningfully elevate how customers engage with our destinations. This is only the beginning for us in this line of innovation.' The pilot is part of a large research collaboration between Dubai Future Labs (DFL) and Osaka University under Japan's Moonshot Research and Development Programme, supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency. Advanced robotics The programme aims to establish an 'Avatar-Symbiotic Society' by 2050, enabling people to transcend physical and spatial limitations through advanced robotics. In parallel, DFF and Majid Al Futtaim are also addressing the legal, ethical, and societal implications from the outset, ensuring that the integration of technology is both responsible and reflective of community needs and values. By bringing robotics into public life in a measured, human-centric way, this partnership represents a significant step toward making advanced technologies more accessible, meaningful, and trusted.
TECHx
26-05-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Majid Al Futtaim Tests Retail Robots with DFF
Home » Smart Sectors » Retail » Majid Al Futtaim Tests Retail Robots with DFF Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced a strategic partnership with Majid Al Futtaim. The collaboration explores the future of robotics in retail. This marks a first-of-its-kind trial, bringing robotics out of the lab and into real-world shopping environments. The live pilot is being conducted at City Centre Mirdif. Two avatar-style robots are currently assisting shoppers with navigation inside the mall. The initiative aims to understand how robotics can improve everyday experiences in shopping malls, hotels, and entertainment venues. It focuses on making these spaces more intuitive, connected, and human-centered. Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director of Dubai Future Labs, revealed that the project falls under the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme. This programme was launched to support the development and adoption of advanced technologies in Dubai's key sectors. By testing robotics in high-traffic areas, Dubai is reinforcing its global position as a future-ready city. Majid Al Futtaim reported that this pilot aligns with its long-term vision for enhancing customer experience using AI and new technologies. The focus is on responsible innovation, guided by real-time feedback and live interactions. The trial aims to deliver practical applications of robotics in retail operations. Key goals include: Improving wayfinding and accessibility Enhancing service efficiency and response time Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Managing Director of Majid Al Futtaim Shopping Malls in the UAE, expressed pride in the initiative. He stated that City Centre Mirdif is leading retail innovation through this unique pilot. He emphasized that this is just the beginning of a larger journey to develop people-first, AI-powered solutions across the group's assets. The pilot is also part of a broader research initiative with Osaka University. It is supported by Japan's Moonshot Research and Development Programme through the Japan Science and Technology Agency. The programme aims to build an 'Avatar-Symbiotic Society' by 2050. This vision includes enabling people to overcome physical and spatial limits using robotics. Meanwhile, DFF and Majid Al Futtaim are also studying the legal, ethical, and social implications of the technology. They are committed to ensuring that innovation aligns with community needs and values. By integrating robotics into public life, the partners aim to make advanced technology more accessible and trusted.
