ABU DHABI: H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has chaired a pivotal meeting of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). High on the agenda were approvals for three groundbreaking projects focusing on quantum-era data security, smart autonomous mobility, and robotics-driven agritech, all slated for launch later this year.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting was a profound demonstration of the UAE’s commitment to transforming research and technological advancements into practical applications that align with national economic priorities. The council reviewed ATRC’s five-year strategic vision, which includes assessing progress across various research domains, ongoing projects, and approving the council’s budget plan for the upcoming years. This strategic planning underscores Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s vision to position themselves as global leaders in research, development, and innovation.
During the ses
sion, Sheikh Khaled highlighted the essential role of technological advancement in priority sectors, in accordance with the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy. He emphasized the importance of research, development, and innovation in bolstering a knowledge-based economy and enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness on both global and regional stages. The meeting also focused on nurturing national talent over the next five years, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, quantum technologies, radar systems, biotechnology, and clean energy.
Discussions at the board meeting also touched on setting key research and development priorities, especially in artificial intelligence and autonomous capabilities, aiming to expand AI-driven solutions across various sectors such as transport, energy, healthcare, and public services. This initiative is expected to enhance operational efficiency and improve service quality. The board also deliberated on advancing quantum computing and communications,
including secure solutions and high-precision radar technologies for humanitarian and environmental applications.
Furthermore, the council plans to intensify efforts in clean energy and sustainability by accelerating research into sustainable energy solutions, including renewable energy innovations and energy-efficient technologies that support the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 agenda. In addition, the meeting highlighted the focus on biotechnology and agritech, aiming to leverage advances in these areas to enhance healthcare, address global food security, and improve agricultural productivity in challenging environments.
The meeting was attended by several high-profile officials, including Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Ahmed Tamim Al Kuttab, Shahab Issa Abu Shahab, and Hamad Abdullah Al Qaydi. Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai also presented a budget proposal for the next five years, emphasizing the council’s dedication to research ex
cellence and the potential for public-private partnerships to ensure the scalability and commercial viability of emerging technologies.