Nad Zabeel Dubai: Dubai is preparing to establish a major new destination for scientific research and advanced technology. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced Nad Zabeel, a new research, development and innovation campus that will be built in Zabeel Park. The project is expected to attract more than 30,000 scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs annually through its programmes and events.

From artificial intelligence and robotics to healthcare and environmental technologies, the campus will bring together global expertise, universities, technology companies and investors. But what makes Nad Zabeel different, where exactly will it be located, and when is it expected to be completed?

What Is Nad Zabeel Dubai?

Nad Zabeel is Dubai's new Future Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Campus, designed to bring scientific research, technological development and entrepreneurship together in one location.

The project was announced in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation.

The campus will provide dedicated infrastructure for researchers, scientists, engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs from the UAE and around the world. Its main objective is to turn research and new ideas into practical solutions, future technologies and economic opportunities.

Where Is Nad Zabeel Located in Dubai?

Nad Zabeel will be developed inside Zabeel Park, in a central area of Dubai.

One of the notable features of its location is its proximity to several major landmarks and business destinations. According to the official announcement, the campus will be within one kilometre of:

  • Dubai Frame

  • Museum of the Future

  • Burj Khalifa

  • Emirates Towers

  • Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Its central location is intended to connect researchers, businesses, academic institutions and investors within Dubai's wider innovation ecosystem.

Nad Zabeel Dubai: When Will Nad Zabeel Be Completed?

Nad Zabeel is expected to complete its construction and associated operations within five years, under the supervision of the Dubai Future Foundation.

However, an exact public opening date and detailed construction schedule have not yet been announced.

The five-year timeline indicates the expected development period, rather than a confirmed date for public entry or the opening of every facility.

What Will Be Inside Nad Zabeel?

Nad Zabeel is planned as a specialised research and innovation campus rather than a conventional office development.

Its proposed infrastructure will include:

  • Scientific and advanced research laboratories

  • Dedicated research and development centres

  • Creative and innovation incubators

  • Facilities for technology companies and universities

  • Spaces for startups and investment companies

  • Leisure facilities

  • Dedicated venues for scientific and professional events

The campus will also provide a base for organisations involved in developing future legislation, bringing government, research and technology expertise closer together.

Which Technologies Will Nad Zabeel Focus On?

Artificial intelligence and robotics will be among the major research areas at Nad Zabeel. The official announcement also identifies several other sectors that will form part of its research ambitions.

These include:

  • Artificial intelligence (AI)

  • Robotics

  • Advanced technologies

  • Urban technologies

  • Healthcare technologies

  • Environmental technologies

The focus on these sectors reflects the project's wider objective of developing solutions for future challenges in cities, industries, healthcare and the environment.

How Will Nad Zabeel Attract 30,000 Researchers?

One of the most notable aspects of the project is its expected annual participation of more than 30,000 scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs through its programmes and events.

Nad Zabeel will bring together international technology companies, universities, academic institutions, research institutes and government entities.

Its accelerator and incubator programmes will also support promising startups by connecting them with investors and opportunities to expand their businesses.

The 30,000 figure refers to expected annual participation in programmes and events. It should not be confused with the number of permanent employees working at the campus.

What Does Nad Zabeel Mean?

The name Nad Zabeel has a connection with the Emirati language and the location of the project.

According to the official announcement, the word 'Nad' means elevated ground. The name reflects the campus's architectural character and Dubai's ambition to reach new heights in research, knowledge and innovation.

How Is Nad Zabeel Connected to Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda?

The project supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai's economy by 2033 and strengthen its position among the world's leading business destinations.

Nad Zabeel is also part of Dubai's wider Research, Development and Innovation ecosystem, established in December 2025 under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.

Supervised by the Dubai Future Foundation, this ecosystem connects research initiatives with government and private-sector priorities.

The new campus is expected to strengthen collaboration between universities, researchers, investors and technology companies while supporting the development of emerging industries.

Will Nad Zabeel Offer Jobs or Research Opportunities?

Nad Zabeel could create opportunities across research, artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, technology development and entrepreneurship as the project develops.

Its planned participation from international universities, technology companies and research institutions could also create opportunities for collaboration between local and international specialists.

However, specific job vacancies, recruitment procedures, researcher registration details and application deadlines have not yet been officially announced.

Interested professionals and organisations should follow updates from the Dubai Future Foundation for confirmed opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nad Zabeel

1. What is Nad Zabeel in Dubai?

Nad Zabeel is a new research, development and innovation campus planned in Zabeel Park to bring together scientists, researchers, technology companies, universities and entrepreneurs.

2. Where is Nad Zabeel located?

The campus will be located inside Zabeel Park in central Dubai, within one kilometre of landmarks including Dubai Frame, Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers, DIFC and the Museum of the Future.

3. When will Nad Zabeel open?

Construction and associated operations are expected to be completed within five years. An exact public opening date has not yet been announced.

4. How many researchers will Nad Zabeel attract?

More than 30,000 scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs are expected to participate in its programmes and events annually.

5. Which technologies will Nad Zabeel focus on?

Its research priorities include artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced technology, urban technologies, healthcare and environmental technologies.

6. Will Nad Zabeel be open to the public?

Public access arrangements have not yet been officially announced.

7. Who will supervise the Nad Zabeel project?

The project will be supervised by the Dubai Future Foundation.

Dubai's Nad Zabeel project is set to add a new dimension to the city's research and innovation ecosystem. By bringing together international expertise, advanced laboratories, technology companies and investment opportunities, the campus aims to connect scientific research with real-world applications. As development progresses, further announcements about its facilities, programmes and participation opportunities will reveal more about what this new Dubai destination will offer.