Dubai has announced Nad Zabeel, a new research, development and innovation campus in Zabeel Park. Launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the project is expected to attract more than 30,000 scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs annually through its programmes and events. The development aims to strengthen Dubai’s position in artificial intelligence, robotics, scientific research and emerging technologies while supporting business investment and the emirate’s long-term economic goals.
- Location: Zabeel Park, Dubai
- Organisation: Dubai Future Foundation
- Status: Announced on November 1, 2026
- Who is affected: Researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs, universities, start-ups and technology companies
- Business impact: Opportunities for research partnerships, investment and technology development
- What’s next: Construction and associated operations are expected to be completed within five years
Dubai has announced Nad Zabeel, a major new research and artificial intelligence campus planned for Zabeel Park. The project 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, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum witnessing the announcement.
The new Nad Zabeel campus will bring together scientists, researchers, technology companies, universities, investors and government organisations. More than 30,000 participants are expected to attend its programmes and events every year.
Supervised by Dubai Future Foundation, the development aims to create a dedicated environment where scientific research can move beyond laboratories and lead to practical applications, new businesses and economic opportunities.
What Will Dubai’s Nad Zabeel Research Campus Include?
Nad Zabeel will focus on several emerging technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced technology, urban technologies, healthcare and environmental technologies.
According to the official announcement, the campus will feature laboratories, scientific and research centres, creative spaces and innovation incubators. These facilities will provide infrastructure for researchers and businesses working on new technologies.
The development will also bring together universities, academic institutions, technology companies, government entities and start-ups. This approach is intended to make collaboration between research institutions and the private sector easier.
Accelerator and incubator programmes will support promising businesses and help them access investment to grow their operations. The campus will also include dedicated spaces for scientific and professional events, along with leisure facilities.
Rather than functioning as a conventional office or technology park, Nad Zabeel is planned as an integrated environment connecting research, investment and commercial development.
Why Has Dubai Chosen Zabeel Park for the New Campus?
The location places Nad Zabeel within central Dubai, close to several important landmarks and business districts.
According to the project announcement, the campus will be within one kilometre of Burj Khalifa, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers and Dubai Frame.
This location connects the planned development with an established business and innovation district. It also places research institutions and technology companies close to government offices, commercial centres and other major developments.
Construction and associated operations are expected to be completed within five years. Dubai Future Foundation will oversee the project.
However, the authorities have not yet announced an exact opening date, project cost or detailed construction schedule.
How Does Nad Zabeel Fit Into Dubai’s AI and Innovation Plans?
Nad Zabeel builds on an innovation ecosystem that Dubai has been developing since 2016.
This includes Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Future Accelerators, Dubai Future Labs, Future Academy and the Museum of the Future. These initiatives have supported discussions, research, experimentation and the development of future technologies.
The new campus will also serve as an incubator for Dubai’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Ecosystem, established under Sheikh Hamdan’s directives in December 2025.
Overseen by Dubai Future Foundation, the ecosystem coordinates research and innovation initiatives while connecting emerging technologies with the emirate’s economic, social and development priorities.
Nad Zabeel is expected to provide a physical environment where these different areas can work together.
For Dubai, this means creating stronger connections between scientific knowledge, technology development and businesses that can turn research into commercial products and services.
How Will Nad Zabeel Support Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda?
The new campus is also linked to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and position the emirate among the world’s top three cities for business.
The agenda includes 100 transformative projects focused on economic growth, investment and international competitiveness.
Nad Zabeel is expected to support these objectives by attracting specialised talent, encouraging investment in emerging technologies and providing opportunities for start-ups to develop their ideas.
It could also strengthen partnerships between universities, government entities and private businesses, particularly in sectors where research and technological development play an important role.
Speaking about the announcement, Sheikh Hamdan said the campus would bring scientific research, development and innovation together to create new economic and development opportunities.
Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation, also described the project as a platform connecting researchers, universities, technology companies, investors and government organisations.
Why It Matters for Dubai Residents and Businesses
Nad Zabeel is primarily a research and innovation development, but its impact could extend beyond the technology sector.
For researchers and academics, the campus is expected to provide access to laboratories, research facilities and opportunities to collaborate with international institutions.
For entrepreneurs and start-ups, accelerator programmes and access to investors could create opportunities to develop and expand technology-based businesses.
Established companies may also benefit from partnerships with research institutions and access to emerging technologies.
The project could contribute to Dubai’s wider efforts to attract international expertise and strengthen its position as a destination for technology investment.
However, the announcement does not confirm specific job creation figures, employment opportunities or the number of companies expected to operate from the campus. More details are likely to emerge as the development progresses.
FAQs
What is Nad Zabeel in Dubai?
Nad Zabeel is a planned research, development and innovation campus in Zabeel Park. It will focus on artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced technology, urban technologies, health and environmental technologies.
Where will Nad Zabeel be located?
The campus will be developed in Zabeel Park in central Dubai, within one kilometre of landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, DIFC, Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers and Dubai Frame.
Who launched the Nad Zabeel project?
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the project, while Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum witnessed its announcement on November 1, 2026.
How many people will Nad Zabeel attract annually?
More than 30,000 scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs are expected to participate in the campus’s programmes and events each year.
When will Nad Zabeel be completed?
Construction and associated operations are expected to be completed within five years. An exact opening date has not yet been announced.
What Comes Next for Nad Zabeel?
Nad Zabeel marks another step in Dubai’s efforts to strengthen its research and innovation infrastructure. By bringing universities, technology companies, investors and scientists together, the campus aims to connect scientific research with real-world applications and business opportunities.
With construction and associated operations expected to be completed within five years, further details about the development, its facilities and participating institutions are likely to emerge over time.
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