Supporting innovation and institutional excellence
The award seeks to provide an enabling environment for researchers by supporting scientific and applied projects that deliver sustainable and impactful outcomes. It aims to improve institutional performance, raise service quality, and strengthen Dubai and the UAE’s position as a global hub for research-driven innovation.
Three main categories
The award features three main categories:
• Digital Innovation Award: Focused on artificial intelligence, digital solutions, and smart systems that enhance digital transformation and operational efficiency.
• Leadership Research and Knowledge Management Award: Dedicated to future-focused leadership, capability development, continuous learning, and knowledge innovation.
• GDRFA Dubai Services Award: Targeting applied research projects that improve customer experience, empower employees, and enhance service efficiency and quality.
Together, these categories are designed to generate innovative solutions that improve institutional performance and shape the future of government services.
AI-powered evaluation platform
To ensure efficiency and integrity in submissions and evaluation, the award’s digital platform has been enhanced with Agentic AI. The system creates an intelligent ecosystem that supports application management, verifies compliance with approved criteria, and improves the accuracy and efficiency of evaluation processes.
Leadership remarks
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said the award represents a significant step in strengthening the knowledge and innovation ecosystem.
He said applied scientific research is a key driver in developing government work and delivering future-focused solutions with sustainable impact.
He added that the initiative aims to empower researchers and innovators by providing a platform that turns scientific ideas into practical applications that enhance services, support people, and strengthen institutional readiness to anticipate the future, in line with Dubai’s global leadership ambitions.
Academic collaboration and participation
The award is being organised in collaboration with a group of academic institutions, research centres, and local and international educational entities. This collaboration aims to strengthen integration between government and academic sectors, and support a more connected innovation and knowledge ecosystem.
GDRFA Dubai has invited researchers, academics, and specialists to participate and submit their entries through the dedicated digital platform.
Registration is now open via: https://researchaward.gdrfad.gov.ae
For inquiries, participants can contact the award committee via email: researchaward.gdrfad@dnrd.ae
Aghaddir is a senior news reporter at Gulf News with more than a decade of experience covering the UAE’s most pressing developments. Known for her sharp eye for detail and deep expertise in the country’s legal and security systems, Aghaddir delivers journalism that clarifies complex issues and informs public discourse.
While based in Sharjah, she also covers Dubai and the northern emirates. She leads daily reporting with a strong focus on breaking news, law enforcement, courts, crime, and legislation. Her work also spans education, public safety, environmental issues, and compelling community and adventure features.
Aghaddir’s investigative stories engage readers in meaningful conversations about the nation’s evolving challenges and opportunities. Her interests include public policy, judicial affairs, social issues, healthcare, and governance, and her body of work reflects a commitment to accurate, impactful, and socially relevant journalism. She has established herself as a reliable and trusted voice in the region’s media.