As part of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to cement the UAE’s global leadership as a hub for innovation, talent, and pioneering solutions, the UAE Government has announced a significant milestone in its innovation journey. Beginning in November 2026, “UAE Innovates” will be held annually as the country’s largest national event dedicated to innovation.
The initiative launches the second decade of innovation efforts under the “UAE Innovates” brand, affirming its role as a national umbrella and strategic platform to drive innovation forward, enhance adoption of future-ready solutions, and solidify the UAE’s standing as one of the most innovative nations globally.
Innovation as a National Culture
His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, affirmed that the UAE, guided by the vision and directives of its wise leadership, has made innovation a compass for government work, a societal culture, and a key driver of development and positive transformation within the government system and the national economy. This, he said, contributes to enhancing quality of life and building a more prosperous and sustainable future.
His Excellency added that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has strengthened the UAE’s global leadership in innovation, transforming it into a model that attracts talents and innovators from around the world.
It has also established an advanced concept of government innovation, laying the foundation for an exceptional model that empowers public sector work through innovation, and developing a comprehensive government methodology focused on the sustainability of innovation and building innovative national capabilities across all areas of government work.
His Excellency added that the UAE’s government innovation journey is entering a new decade marked by qualitative progress toward global leadership, supported by a strong record of achievements that have solidified the country’s position on global competitiveness indices. Declaring November as the annual month for organizing the “UAE Innovates” initiative, starting from 2026, represents a new stage in embedding a culture of innovation as an institutional practice and a national approach that drives sustainable development.
His Excellency added that over the past decade, “UAE Innovates” has evolved into a national platform that unites government, private, academic, and community entities in shaping a more innovative and prosperous future. In recent years, the initiative has seen the participation of more than 1.5 million people, over 10 million social media engagements, and the organization of more than 7,000 events involving 140 government, private, and academic institutions. These efforts have resulted in innovative projects and new work models that have contributed to the advancement of key sectors across the country.
A Global Launchpad
Huda Al Hashimi, Assistant Minister for Strategic Affairs at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, noted that since its launch a decade ago, “UAE Innovates” has embodied the integration of government efforts to enhance the national innovation ecosystem, empower talent, and build a future-focused government model.
She stated that the initiative has succeeded in embedding innovation into government work as a daily practice. It has introduced advanced methodologies focused on the sustainability of innovation, turning it into a key pillar in service and operations development.
Starting from November 2026, “UAE Innovates” will mark a launchpad into a new decade of innovation, expanding horizons for innovative practices across all sectors. It will serve as a national platform for promoting innovation in government, the private sector, and society, while celebrating achievements and breakthrough initiatives developed throughout the year.
The event will reaffirm the UAE’s vision of innovation as a key driver of positive change and improved quality of life for all segments of society.
UAE Innovates Award – 7th Edition
The second decade of the innovation journey will also see the continuation and expansion of the “UAE Innovates Award” in its seventh edition. The award will now include seven categories, honoring the most outstanding innovation from each emirate. These projects will be recognized for their real-world impact in enhancing services and improving the lives of citizens and residents.
The award supports innovation as a way of life and encourages the creation of a vibrant national innovation environment that includes all segments of society.
In November 2026, hundreds of events will be held across the country, including competitions, hackathons, exhibitions, workshops, conferences, and discussion panels. These activities will highlight the importance of innovation in everyday life, celebrate transformative ideas and experiences, and emphasize the central role of family and community development within innovation agendas.
A Decade of Achievements and a Future of Possibilities
Launched a decade ago under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, “UAE Innovates” began as a week-long initiative, grew into a month-long campaign, and has now evolved into the largest annual national innovation event.
With this new phase starting in November 2026, the UAE enters a new era in its innovation journey — one that builds on a foundation of significant achievements and sets the stage for future breakthroughs in government, economy, and society.
