Dubai: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the fourth edition of the Dubai Future Forum, the world's largest gathering of futurists, will commence tomorrow at the Museum of the Future.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Dubai Future Foundation is organizing the event, which will run until November 19. The Forum will host more than 2,500 experts, futurists, decision-makers, and representatives from 100 global institutions and organisations. Over 200 speakers will participate in more than 70 sessions and dialogues based on five main themes: Exploring the Unknown, Empowering Societies, Reimagining Health, Optimising Systems, and Foresight Insights.
This year's edition introduces dedicated Learning Days, scheduled for November 17 and 20, in collaboration with several local, regional, and international partners. These Learning Days will feature strategic symposiums, roundtables, and closed-door discussions tackling five critical topics: foresight and Global Security, foresight and Strategic Philanthropy, foresight and Wearable Technologies, Foresight and Urban Resilience, and the Future of Media.
On the sidelines, a closed-door media roundtable hosted by Arab News in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation will bring together global media leaders, technology executives, and industry experts. The discussion will focus on how media can adapt amid technological advances and digital disruption, highlighting the importance of regulation and trust in an era of AI transformation.
Sessions on Foresight and Global Security, organised by the FIKR Institute, will delve into how foresight tools can enhance global dialogue and understanding of international transformations. The Foresight and Strategic Philanthropy sessions, organised by the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, will explore the future of philanthropy and emerging impact models.
Speakers in the Foresight and Wearable Technologies sessions, hosted by XPANCEO, will discuss translating scientific research into practical solutions and how breakthrough technologies can advance human-technology interaction. Meanwhile, the Foresight and Urban Resilience sessions, organised under Dubai's RDI Program supervised by Dubai Future Labs, will address building resilient cities and communities in the face of climate change.
Day 1 of the Forum will begin with a keynote address by Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation. A major session titled 'Navigating Change: Leadership in the Age of AI and Global Transformation' will feature Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard, and Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications.
Throughout the day, panel discussions will include topics such as 'Building a Regenerative Society,' 'Governance for the Long Term,' 'Mapping Inner Worlds,' and 'Blueprints for Resilience.' Additional sessions will explore research and development, proactive medicine, consumer behaviour up to 2035, and innovations emerging from the ocean.
The Prototypes for Humanity - Dubai Future Solutions Exhibition 2025 also opened today at AREA 2071 in Emirates Towers, showcasing the top 100 innovative projects from over 1,200 universities in 120 countries. Five exceptional innovators will be awarded and supported to advance their solutions.
The Forum will also announce the winners of the inaugural Dubai Foresight Awards, recognizing leading futurists, innovators, and visionary thinkers. The opening day will feature the Future Stories Awards Ceremony, honouring writers and storytellers.
Dubai Future Forum 2025 is supported by strategic partners including Dubai Municipality and Emirates Global Aluminium, alongside global organisations and academic institutions such as UNICEF, Emirates Flight Catering, XPANCEO, The Explorers Club, FIKR Institute, Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, and universities like Arizona State University and Higher Colleges of Technology.