Dubai RTA Unveils 13 Strategic Research Projects to Drive Future Innovation

By Saff Reporter
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled 13 new strategic research projects at its annual Research and Development Forum, underscoring its commitment to advancing innovation and future-ready technologies.
The Forum, organised by RTA’s Innovation and Pioneering Department under the Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, brought together over 80 experts representing 30 universities and research institutions across the UAE and abroad. Key participants included the Dubai Future Foundation, Khalifa University, University of Sharjah, UAE University, University of Dubai, and international partners such as the University of Birmingham and the Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai.
Muna Al Osaimi, CEO of RTA’s Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, highlighted that research and development go beyond ideation, focusing on real-world impact. She emphasised the need for unified frameworks and collaborative efforts to transform research findings into tangible solutions that reinforce Dubai’s position as a global technology leader.
RTA’s innovation portfolio now boasts 137 intellectual assets, including patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. These assets reflect the authority’s vision to harness artificial intelligence, strengthen workforce capabilities, and foster multi-sector partnerships in applied research.
A key session titled “The University–Industry–Government Triangle” explored new models of collaboration aimed at accelerating innovation in fields such as quantum communication, autonomous mobility, and sustainable infrastructure. Experts stressed the importance of strong coordination, transparent communication, and adherence to timelines for achieving successful outcomes.
The Forum reaffirmed the importance of academic–industry partnerships as a cornerstone of Dubai’s innovation ecosystem, ensuring integrated efforts and reducing duplication.
Research paper submissions for the R&D Forum are open until 14 November, while student entries will be accepted until 15 December. Interested participants can obtain more details by contacting [email protected].
Source: Dubai Media Office