Dubai announced Nad Zabeel, a large research, development, and innovation campus in Zabeel Park. The project will be a hub for artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced technology, health, environment, and urban innovation.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, witnessed the announcement. He described the campus as a space where Dubai will design and develop the future.
Nad Zabeel aims to attract more than 30,000 scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators every year. They will take part in research programs, events, incubators and accelerator initiatives.
The campus will bring together universities, technology companies, investors, startups and government entities. Officials expect this mix to speed up the movement of ideas from laboratories to real-world applications.
The development will include advanced laboratories, scientific research centres, creative workspaces and innovation incubators. It will also provide dedicated facilities for entities working on future legislation and investment firms.
Nad Zabeel will focus on technologies that affect daily life and long-term development. These include AI, robotics, healthcare, environmental technology and smart urban systems.
Dubai plans to complete the campus within five years. Once operational, it will join the city’s wider innovation network, which includes the Dubai Future Foundation, Museum of the Future and Dubai Future Academy.
The announcement reinforces Dubai’s push to become a global centre for research and emerging technology. It also supports the emirate’s broader strategy to attract talent, investment and high-value companies.
Dubai also expanded its AI ambitions through the Dubai AI Campus in the DIFC Zabeel District. The purpose-built facility will cover 100,000 square feet and offer AI labs, secure development zones and GPU-ready infrastructure.
The AI Campus aims to attract more than 1,000 artificial intelligence companies and create over 5,000 specialised jobs by 2030. It will support companies developing, testing and deploying AI solutions.