Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid launches Dubai's 'future labs'

Vice President and Ruler of Dubai praised plans to accelerate growth in aviation and energy, encourage entrepreneurship and develop artificial intelligence and blockchain

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on Monday hailed the launch of four high-tech laboratories in Dubai as a driving force for innovation and enterprise in the emirate.

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai enjoyed a glimpse into the future as the labs focusing on aviation, energy, blockchain and entrepreneurship were unveiled on Monday.

Sheikh Mohammed believes the high-tech facilities, which will be overseen by Dubai Future Foundation and include input from major companies such as Emirates Airline, will grow to become an important centre for technological advancement.

“Today we have launched four innovative labs that will focus on predicating the future of aviation, energy, blockchain and entrepreneurship," he said.

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"Our end goal is to make these labs a hub for launching future-oriented innovations that will eventually upgrade our business and service sectors.

“These labs will support the UAE Centennial Plan 2071 and will lay the foundations for building a global centre to test future innovations of the country.

“We reiterate our support for government and private partnerships to accelerate work and achievement, and create new ideas that provide promising economic opportunities and support entrepreneurs, national and global talents.”

Sheikh Mohammed was joined at the inauguration by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future.

The Aviation Future Lab is supported by leading aviation companies, including Emirates and Airbus, and will support scientific research and engineering projects.

The lab will help to develop solutions to major challenges facing the industry, such as reducing carbon emissions.

The Blockchain Future Lab will harness rapidly developing technology such as artificial intelligence, provide new ideas and helping to turn them into a reality.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority will be heavily involved in the Energy Future Lab, which will have a sharp focus on renewable energy and improving digital services.

The Entrepreneurship Future Lab, with a variety of meeting and conference rooms, will provide a platform for start-up businesses and ambitious entrepreneurs operating in the technology sector, helping them to obtain business licences more easily.