UAE launches science lab platform

UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched a new scientific laboratories platform to bring together major research institutions in the country.

The platform is intended to allow researchers and scientists to access the most advanced laboratory equipment and create an environment for knowledge exchange.

Among the aims are to reduce the cost of research activities by 30 per cent, to attract highly qualified scientists, motivate students and others interested in the field and develop an integrated working system, with the ultimate goal of boosting the country’s scientific and technological capacity.

“Through this initiative, we are announcing that the UAE has been turned into an open-air laboratory, a beacon for advanced sciences and their applications as well as a scientific innovation environment for shaping the future of the UAE,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“We urge our scientists to continue research and advancement so as to consolidate our achievements and restore the region’s role as an essential partner in knowledge production, raise the intellectual level and pursue scientific efforts to raise the UAE’s scientific stature on the global stage.”

The platform will link state labs to scientists and experts to boost the country’s knowledge economy and the productivity of research institutions.

Participants include the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, Khalifa University, UAE University, American University of Sharjah (AUS), the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, and the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA).

It will offer the country’s scientific community access to more than 150 research devices across the country.

The platform comes under the Emirates Scientists Council and the wider UAE Advanced Science Agenda 2031 launched last month to address future challenges.

Read: UAE unveils 2031 science strategy

Earlier this week, the UAE Cabinet announced plans for a new visa programme allowing talented specialists in the medical, scientific, research and technical fields to stay in the country for up to 10 years.

Read: UAE Cabinet approves 10-year visas, will allow 100% foreign ownership by year-end