Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has launched the next phase of the ‘Dubai Future Solutions’ initiative, titled ‘Prototypes for Humanity’.
This initiative, overseen by Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, aims to develop and implement innovative prototypes and pilot models, delivering transformative solutions from Dubai to the world.
Commitment to Innovation
The ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ initiative builds on the successes of the past nine years, aiming to advance innovation for the betterment of humanity. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the initiative supports innovators and designers globally, nurturing top talent and creative thinkers across future-oriented sectors. He highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform Dubai into a global innovation hub.
Strategic Partnership
During the announcement, Sheikh Hamdan witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation (HSDF), which pledged AED 100 million to support innovation and technology in Dubai and the UAE. Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, and Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties, signed the agreement, making HSDF a strategic partner of the initiative.
Global Innovation Hub
Sheikha Latifa stated that the initiative aims to cultivate strategic partnerships with government entities, the private sector, and global academic, cultural, technological, and creative institutions.
This collaboration aims to spotlight future-oriented ideas and innovations that positively impact society and transform them into tangible achievements that serve humanity.
Framework for Innovation
The collaboration between DFF and HSDF will establish a global framework to enhance partnerships with academic institutions, students, laboratories, startups, and leading innovators worldwide.
The initiative is designed to attract global innovations to Dubai, offering a platform for innovators to exhibit their work, address significant global challenges, and convert experimental projects into successful startups.
Support for Innovators
The initiative supports innovators and startups across various future sectors, enhancing job creation, investment opportunities, and market expansion.
It aids in patenting innovations and helps transition ideas into viable companies, providing investment avenues for innovators looking to expand from Dubai to global markets. These objectives will be achieved in collaboration with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai Culture.
Annual Event
An annual event will be hosted at the Dubai Future District, showcasing the best 100 innovations from the ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ initiative. The top innovations will be honored during the annual ceremony.
DFF will support this initiative through various national programs, including the Dubai Research and Development Program and the Dubai Robotics and Automation Program. Leveraging its integrated ecosystem, DFF will promote entrepreneurship through AREA 2071 and the Dubai Future Accelerators (DFA), spotlighting promising projects and talents.
Building on Success
The announcement builds on the success achieved by the ‘Prototypes for Humanity’ initiative, an Art Dubai Group initiative, over the past nine years. Under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed, the initiative has showcased hundreds of innovative projects from over 10,000 applications submitted by students from more than 700 universities worldwide. Supported by founding partners Dubai Culture, DIFC, A.R.M Holding, and the Investment Corporation of Dubai, the initiative received over 2,800 project submissions in the past year, covering more than 200 research fields across diverse technological and future-oriented sectors.
