Dubai unveils Nad Zabeel future research campus, targeting 30,000 researchers and specialists

Dubai announced the launch of Nad Zabeel, its future research, development and innovation (RDI) campus, on 1 November. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, witnessed the announcement of what officials described as a major centre within Dubai's RDI ecosystem.

A hub for global research talent

The campus was launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation, said Nad Zabeel turns the ruler's vision into action by establishing research and development as a key driver of progress and economic opportunity.

According to the official announcement, the campus aims to attract 30,000 researchers and specialists, who will use its facilities to work on future sectors linked to human life. It will serve as an incubator for global partnerships, initiatives and ambitious research projects, bringing researchers, universities, technology companies, investors and government entities together in one environment.

Part of Dubai's future-shaping ecosystem

Nad Zabeel joins Dubai's institutional framework for anticipating and shaping the future, alongside the Museum of the Future, Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Future Accelerators, Dubai Future Labs and Dubai Future Academy. The RDI ecosystem it will incubate was established under Sheikh Hamdan's directives in December 2025 and is overseen by Dubai Future Foundation.

The launch also supports the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which comprises 100 transformative projects and aims to double the size of Dubai's economy by 2033 while consolidating its position among the world's top three cities for business. No opening timeline or researcher intake arrangements were disclosed in the announcement.

Sources: Emirates News Agency (WAM), 1 November 2026; Dubai Future Foundation announcement.