Dubai Unveils Nad Zabeel AI and Research Campus for 30,000 Innovators
Dubai has announced plans to establish Nad Zabeel, a major research, development and innovation campus in Zabeel Park. The project will bring together artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, advanced technologies and scientific research. Moreover, it aims to attract more than 30,000 scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs annually through its programmes and events.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, witnessed the announcement. Meanwhile, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, launched the initiative. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation.
The development will create an integrated environment for scientific research, technological advancement and investment. Furthermore, construction and associated operations are expected to reach completion within five years.
Nad Zabeel to Become a Centre for Research and Innovation
Nad Zabeel will focus on research and development across several strategic sectors. These include artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced technology, urban technologies, healthcare and environmental technologies.
In addition, the campus will feature specialised laboratories, scientific and research centres, and creative and innovation incubators. It will bring together technology companies, universities, academic institutions, government entities, investors and start-ups.
Consequently, researchers and businesses will gain access to infrastructure supporting scientific discoveries and their commercial applications. The development will also accommodate organisations involved in shaping future legislation, alongside local and international investment companies.
Furthermore, accelerator and incubator programmes will support promising businesses. These initiatives will help emerging companies secure investment and expand their operations. The campus will also include leisure facilities and dedicated spaces for scientific and professional events.
Located in Zabeel Park, the development will occupy a strategic position in central Dubai. According to the announcement, it will sit within one kilometre of several major landmarks and business destinations. These include Burj Khalifa, Dubai International Financial Centre, the Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers and Dubai Frame.
Dubai Future Foundation will oversee the project. Through this development, the emirate aims to strengthen its research infrastructure and connect scientific institutions with investors and commercial enterprises.
Strengthening Dubai’s Global Research and Innovation Ecosystem
The initiative builds on an innovation ecosystem established since 2016. This network includes Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Future Accelerators, the Museum of the Future, Future Labs and the Future Academy.
Additionally, Nad Zabeel will support the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Ecosystem, established under Sheikh Hamdan’s directives in December 2025.
The ecosystem coordinates research, development and innovation initiatives. Moreover, it connects emerging technologies with economic, social and development priorities.
The campus will provide a platform for international research partnerships. It will connect universities, technology companies, investors and government organisations within a shared environment.
Through this approach, Dubai aims to attract international scientific talent and encourage greater investment in knowledge-based industries. Furthermore, the development will strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and the private sector.
Nad Zabeel Supports Dubai Economic Agenda D33
The development will contribute to Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033. Additionally, the agenda seeks to position Dubai among the world’s top three cities for business.
The strategy includes 100 transformative projects. Within this framework, Nad Zabeel is expected to attract specialised investment, international talent and technology-focused businesses.
Furthermore, the campus will support start-ups and create opportunities to transform scientific research into commercially viable products and services. It will also encourage closer cooperation between government institutions, investors, researchers and businesses.
By bringing these stakeholders together, Dubai aims to accelerate technological development and strengthen its position in emerging industries.
The name Nad Zabeel reflects the project’s identity and architectural ambitions. In Emirati Arabic, the word ‘nad’ means elevated ground. Therefore, the name represents the campus’s elevated architectural character and its wider ambitions for scientific research and innovation.
