DED extends deadline for Dubai Economic Research Award submissions to October 15

The second cycle of DERA was launched in January 2007 with the objective of building a research-enabled knowledge base to support the decision makers in the government, business and academic sectors in the UAE.

The DERA team has already received award submissions relating to different topics in the economic sectors of finance and banking, information technology, real estate, tourism, trade and education.

"The Dubai Economic Research Award is a vital tool to evaluate the economic parameters of Dubai by analysing various sectors and highlighting novel project ideas that can be used as feasibility studies on potential growth sectors. The award also complies with the focus on economic development as outlined by UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in the Dubai Strategic Plan," said Khalid Al Kassim, Deputy Director General for Planning and Development at DED.

"The response to the awards initiative has been strong and we decided to extend the deadline of submission to enable more researchers to take part, and also to bring to public attention the efforts that are ongoing in various spheres in achieving further economic growth of Dubai," added Al Kassim.

"The DED has been working closely with various organisations across the UAE to reach out to potential researchers, academics and students and ensure that they are continuously updated about the award. DERA will form part of the DED's ongoing efforts to advance the cause of research and development in the country," said Saeed Rashid Al Suwaidi, Director of Economic Affairs Division at DED.

The award covers ten economic sectors: tourism, oil and gas, health, education, communications and IT, finance and banking, industry and trade, real estate and construction, transport and storage. The DERA competition is open to UAE nationals and other researchers residing in the UAE at the time of submission. Applications can be sent electronically to dera@dubaided.gov.ae in Arabic or English. Submissions can also be sent by registered mail or hand delivered to DED's premises in Deira.

DED has joined hands with several leading companies and institutions to streamline the award process. The partners of the second cycle include Zayed University, which has been associated with DERA since the first cycle, Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, Dubai Investments Company, Dubai Financial Market, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Cable Company (DUCAB).