The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has officially launched the second edition of its Research Awards 2026, themed “From Research… to Decision,” as part of the emirate’s broader push toward a knowledge-driven, future-ready government model. The initiative aims to strengthen the role of scientific research in shaping policy development, improving government capabilities, and supporting data-driven decision-making across public sector entities.
Announced on 13 May 2026, the awards were unveiled during a ceremony led by H.E. Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR. The event drew senior officials from multiple government bodies and academic institutions, including H.E. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; H.E. Dr. Abdullah Busenad of Dubai Customs; H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; and H.E. Salem Humaid Al Marri of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. Also present were H.E. Judge Dr. Ebtessam Al Badwawi of the Dubai Judicial Institute, H.E. Mishal Abdul Karim Julfar of the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, and Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, alongside representatives from other government and academic partners.
Fostering an Applied Research Ecosystem
The second edition extends DGHR’s ongoing efforts to build an applied research ecosystem that directly informs government policy and national talent development. In his keynote address, Al Falasi emphasized that the awards reinforce the importance of knowledge and scientific research as key enablers of informed decision-making. “They help create more agile and efficient work environments capable of keeping pace with future shifts,” he said. He added that the initiative aims to “strengthen national talent readiness and contribute to building a more resilient and future-ready government operating model.”
The awards focus on eight research themes aligned with government priorities: human behavior and policy design for effective workforce models; healthcare, workforce well-being, and social care; professional skills and lifelong learning; future-ready government workforce models; human-centered artificial intelligence, ethics, and the societal dimensions of work; Islamic Sharia, ethics, and values-based human resources management; government HR management—realities, challenges, and the future; and the development of HR systems and policies.
Broad Participation from Academia and Government
Seven universities and academic institutions are participating in the 2026 edition, including Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, Imam Malik College for Sharia and Law, and Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai.
The first edition of the Research Awards, launched previously, attracted 27 government and academic entities and generated 70 research papers. That response, officials noted, reflected a growing interest in applied research and its role in supporting policy development—strengthening the link between academic knowledge and practical application in government work environments.
Implications for Dubai’s Future Governance
The awards represent a strategic investment in human capital readiness. By encouraging researchers to tackle real-world government challenges, Dubai is positioning itself to adapt faster to technological, demographic, and economic shifts. The initiative also aligns with Dubai’s broader vision—highlighted by projects like the Dubaiiverse platform—to create a seamless, data-driven public sector that anticipates rather than reacts to change.
For researchers and government professionals, the Research Awards offer a structured pathway to turn academic work into actionable policy recommendations. Submissions are expected to address pressing issues such as AI ethics, workforce well-being, and lifelong learning. The awards also provide a platform for cross-sector collaboration, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and HR leaders.
As the second edition unfolds, observers will watch how the winning research translates into tangible policy changes. The model could serve as a blueprint for other governments seeking to close the gap between academic inquiry and practical governance—a step toward making research not just an intellectual exercise, but a direct driver of public-sector innovation.