UAE: Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Chairs Advanced Technology Research Council Meeting
Abu Dhabi [UAE], October 18 — Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, chaired a meeting of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC).
During the session, he authorized plans for three businesses under ATRC’s commercialization arm, VentureOne, concentrating on quantum-era data security, smart autonomous transportation, and robotics-driven agritech, all of which will launch later this year. These efforts are consistent with Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s economic aims, translating innovative research into practical applications.
The board evaluated ATRC’s five-year strategic goal, evaluating progress in several research sectors, ongoing projects, and budget plans, reaffirming Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s position as research, development, and innovation leaders. Sheikh Khaled stressed the need to expedite technical improvements in priority industries, emphasizing the role of research, development, and innovation in creating a knowledge-based economy and increasing global competitiveness.
Over the next five years, there will be a strong focus on developing national talent in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, quantum technologies, radar systems, biotechnology, and clean energy. The board discussed key R&D priorities, especially in AI and autonomous capabilities, to enhance operational efficiency in transport, energy, healthcare, and public services.
Additionally, the council highlighted investments in quantum technologies, advanced radar capabilities for humanitarian purposes, and sustainable energy solutions to support the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 agenda. The meeting also addressed biotechnology and agritech, leveraging advancements to boost healthcare, food security, and agricultural productivity.
Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, presented the budget proposal for the next five years, emphasizing a commitment to sustaining research excellence and exploring public-private partnerships for innovative technology scalability. The review also included enhancing global collaborations with international research institutions.
Attendees included prominent people including Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, and other Advanced Technology Research Council members, all of whom contributed to the UAE’s dedication to encouraging innovation and technological leadership.