Our SecretaryGeneral
H.E. Faisal Al Bannai serves as the Secretary General of the Emirates Research and Development Council (ERDC), strengthening an R&D ecosystem that connects national priorities, research capabilities, and innovation to support the UAE's economic and societal progress.
Message from H.E. Faisal Al Bannai
The world's most prosperous nations are not defined solely by the technologies they create, but by their ability to cultivate the ecosystems that enable innovation to thrive. Sustainable progress is built on strong institutions, clear national priorities, strategic partnerships, and a shared commitment to transforming knowledge into lasting value.
Guided by the vision of the UAE's leadership, research and development has become a cornerstone of the nation's long-term prosperity, resilience, and global competitiveness. The UAE has consistently demonstrated that preparing for the future begins long before it arrives, by investing in people, ideas, and the capabilities that will shape tomorrow's opportunities.
At the Emirates Research and Development Council, we are entrusted with translating this vision into a cohesive national research and development ecosystem. Through effective governance, strategic coordination, and clear national priorities, we bring together government, academia, industry, investors, and international partners to ensure that research delivers meaningful economic and societal impact while strengthening the UAE's global competitiveness.
We believe research achieves its greatest value when it moves beyond discovery to create tangible outcomes. By enabling ideas to evolve into industries and scientific breakthroughs into real-world capabilities, we are helping build an ecosystem that is agile, globally connected, and equipped to address the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
As we look ahead, our ambition is clear: to establish the UAE among the world's leading research and innovation nations by creating an ecosystem where knowledge is translated into impact, innovation accelerates national progress, and collaboration unlocks new opportunities for the nation.
Together, we are building the foundations for future breakthroughs that will benefit generations to come.
H.E. Faisal Al Bannai
Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs
Secretary General, Emirates Research and Development Council
