Dubai, September 2, 2025 – In a move to nurture young talent and bring groundbreaking ideas to life, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai has launched its 8th Creative Sponsorship Program. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2071, supporting the nation’s push towards a knowledge-based economy, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
Innovation at the Core of UAE’s Future
The launch event was held at the Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai, inaugurated by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA. He was joined by senior officials, including Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor (Deputy Director General, GDRFA), Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni (Director General, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority), Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini (Assistant Undersecretary, Ministry of Economy & Tourism), and Saeed Al Tayer (CEO, Dubai Community Development Authority).
“This is not just a training program – it is an investment in the UAE’s greatest wealth: its people,” said Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri. “Creativity is essential to building a future-ready society and elevating Dubai as a global capital of innovative ideas.”
Global Participation and Cutting-Edge Projects
This year’s edition welcomed 39 participants from multiple countries, all part of the Innovation Accelerator Lab. Projects showcased included themes such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Digital Transformation
- Future Readiness and Smart Solutions
The program is designed in collaboration with the Global Innovation Institute (GINI), ensuring international standards of innovation management and implementation.
Commitment to Sustainable Growth
According to GDRFA Dubai, the Creative Sponsorship Program highlights the importance of human capital in sustainable development. By promoting innovation as an institutional value, GDRFA aims to position Dubai as a global hub for talent, research, and creativity.
The initiative further strengthens the UAE’s long-term strategy of fostering an ecosystem where fresh ideas can flourish, directly contributing to both local and international knowledge economies.
