Dubai: The Museum of the Future, in collaboration with Dubai Municipality, will host 'Urban Future Week' on November 10-11, 2025. This event will bring together leading thinkers, global experts, and decision-makers to shape the future of cities. The focus will be on how urban planning can respond to technological innovation, climate challenges, and social change, while driving strategies for future urban landscapes.
According to Emirates News Agency, Urban Future Week will feature more than 40 speakers and representatives from local and international organisations, and over 1,000 participants from around the world. The programme includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive dialogues, and specialised exhibitions showcasing the latest innovations and projects in sustainability, governance, and urban design. This reinforces Dubai's position as a global hub for future foresight and applied innovation.
The event will explore critical themes shaping the cities of tomorrow, including future readiness and urban resilience in the face of global technological, climatic, and social shifts. The development of digital infrastructure and emerging urban projects will also be examined. Emphasis will be placed on improving quality of life, fostering sustainability, and designing smarter, more inclusive urban environments.
A key focus of the programme is the 'Hewi Dubai' initiative, a people-centred model for building inclusive urban spaces. The project includes areas designed to strengthen social values, foster community bonds, and preserve cultural traditions. It also incorporates sustainable agriculture, dedicating space for local plant cultivation.
The event underscores the shared commitment of both the Museum of the Future and Dubai Municipality to shaping a more inclusive and resilient urban future through collaboration between the public and private sectors. It serves as a convergence point for policymakers, communities, and industries to drive innovation and design smarter, more human-centric environments.
Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, stated that Urban Future Week is part of efforts to strengthen Dubai's position as a global hub for shaping the future of governance and innovation in the urban sector. He highlighted the importance of rethinking city design and management in light of rapid global transformations.
Khalfan Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Future Foundation, emphasized that hosting this global dialogue at the Museum of the Future reflects Dubai's pioneering role in building resilient and future-ready cities. The event serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and practical solutions that harness future technologies.
The event will explore the use of open data, artificial intelligence, and experimental governance to strengthen urban sustainability and adaptability. It will also highlight Dubai's vision for designing future cities through collaboration and data-driven planning.
By linking urban expansion with climate resilience and sustainability, the event promotes integration between academia, communities, and government. It aims to accelerate digital infrastructure adoption and empower youth-led initiatives in future urban planning.
Expected outcomes include launching new strategic initiatives in smart infrastructure, strengthening public-private collaboration, and developing innovative frameworks for healthier, more resilient, and future-ready cities. A comprehensive report will be published, summarising key insights and recommendations to guide future policymaking and reinforce Dubai's position as a global platform for shaping the cities of tomorrow.