Dubai: The Innovation and Pioneering Department at the Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has hosted the Research and Development (R and D) Forum, which marked the commencement of 13 strategic research projects. The event was attended by 80 experts, including researchers, academics, and strategic partners, from 30 universities and research institutions across the UAE.
According to Emirates News Agency, the participants included notable entities such as Dubai Future Foundation, Khalifa University, University of Sharjah, UAE University, ASPIRE - Abu Dhabi Academy, Dubai Future Labs, University of Dubai, University of Birmingham, Rochester Institute of Technology - Dubai, Heriot-Watt University, the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) MENA Region, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Muna Al Osaimi, CEO of the Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector at RTA, expressed that research and development extend beyond generating ideas to creating an impact. She emphasized the importance of establishing unified frameworks and a shared vision to transform research into practical solutions. Al Osaimi highlighted RTA's pride in collaborating with a diverse lineup of participants.
Al Osaimi also noted that RTA has developed a portfolio of 137 intellectual assets, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, and industrial designs, aligning with the leadership's vision to elevate Dubai's status in adopting future technologies. Through the Research, Development and Innovation Strategy, RTA aims to enhance workforce competencies, expand research partnerships, and leverage artificial intelligence to support informed decision-making.
Efforts are underway to identify collaborative projects aimed at developing core capabilities and strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation to advance innovation, operational excellence, and collective efforts to achieve Dubai's goal of becoming a leading future-ready city.
The event included a session titled 'The University-Industry-Government Triangle,' which underscored the need to rethink research collaboration models in the UAE. Speakers from Dubai Future Labs, the University of Birmingham, and ASPIRE Abu Dhabi discussed accelerating applied research, expanding multi-stakeholder partnerships, and delivering outcomes in strategic fields such as quantum communication, autonomous mobility, and sustainable infrastructure.
Participants concluded the Forum by emphasizing the importance of clear communication, effective collaboration, and strict adherence to timelines for project success. They also highlighted the need to ensure that the research and innovation ecosystem fosters integration and avoids duplication of efforts. Strengthening partnerships between academia and industry was noted as a key driver of Dubai's innovation agenda.
Submissions of research papers from interested participants are welcomed until 14 November, with the deadline for student submissions extended to 15 December. Academic institutions and stakeholders can obtain full details of the initiative and the research and development agenda by contacting the relevant authorities.