Dubai announces Nad Zabeel, a new research, development and innovation campus in the heart of the city
Dubai has announced Nad Zabeel, a future research, development and innovation campus in Zabeel Park that will host technology companies, universities, start-ups and investors, with more than 30,000 participants expected in its programmes each year.
On 1 November 2026, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, witnessed the announcement of Nad Zabeel, Dubai's Future RDI Campus. The campus was launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation.
Nad Zabeel is planned as a hub for research, development and innovation (RDI) and an incubator for global partnerships and research projects. Construction and associated operations are expected to be completed within five years, under the supervision of Dubai Future Foundation.
The key facts
- Location: Zabeel Park in central Dubai, within one kilometre of landmarks including Burj Khalifa, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers and Dubai Frame.
- Who it will host: leading global technology companies, academic institutions, universities, research institutes and government entities, as well as promising start-ups, local and international investment companies, and entities developing future legislation.
- Focus areas: artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced technology, urban technology, and health and environmental technology.
- Facilities: laboratories, scientific and research centres, creative and innovation incubators, spaces for professional events, and leisure facilities.
- Support for companies: accelerator and incubator programmes that help promising companies grow and scale, with access to investment.
- Scale: more than 30,000 scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs are expected to take part in its programmes and events each year.
- Strategic link: the campus supports the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and will serve as an incubator for the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation Ecosystem, established in December 2025 and overseen by Dubai Future Foundation.
Why it matters for international clients
For founders of technology and research-led businesses, Nad Zabeel adds a dedicated, government-backed base in central Dubai where companies, universities and investors work side by side. The stated accelerator and incubator programmes, with access to investment, are aimed directly at helping young companies scale from the UAE.
For investors and families, a single campus bringing together research institutions, start-ups and investment companies points to a growing pipeline of early-stage opportunities in Dubai, in sectors the government has chosen to prioritise.
What to do
- If you plan to base a technology or research business in Dubai, compare the licensing options available, including free zones and the mainland. Our guide on free zone or mainland is a useful starting point, and our company setup service covers the full process.
- Plan the corporate tax position early, particularly how intellectual property and research income will be held and whether free zone treatment can apply. See our corporate tax service.
- If you are relocating personally to build or invest, review your residence options and your exit from your current country of tax residence. See our moving to Dubai checklist and golden visa guide.
Sources
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