Abu dhabi: Urban Future Week concluded at the Museum of the Future, showcasing innovative strategies for building resilient, future-ready cities.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event was organized in partnership with Dubai Municipality and spanned two days, gathering global leaders, experts, and academics to explore technology-driven urban innovation and sustainable design. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, emphasized that the success of the event reflects Dubai's commitment to advancing sustainable city planning and smart governance. He noted that the forum aligned with the leadership's vision to make Dubai a global model for human-centered smart cities, enabling knowledge exchange and fostering partnerships to shape urban solutions that support sustainable development.
Bin Ghalita added that Dubai Municipality intends to translate the event's outcomes into actionable projects by developing predictive policies, adopting digital tools, and enhancing cooperation between public and private sectors. This initiative aims to strengthen Dubai's position in future foresight and flexible governance.
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, highlighted that the future of cities will rely on innovation and bold ideas addressing global challenges. He outlined five strategic priorities: redefining energy efficiency through AI-powered grids, using sustainable materials to tackle thermal inequality, reconnecting humanity with nature, combating water scarcity through renewable solutions, and preserving biodiversity by transforming cities into living gardens supported by artificial intelligence and 3D printing. Belhoul added that Dubai aims to serve as a global laboratory where technology and nature converge to ensure human well-being and sustainability.
Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Museum of the Future, stated that the event strengthened global collaboration in developing actionable urban strategies to improve quality of life and environmental protection. The programme featured a lecture by Jordanian architect Sahel Al Hiyari, winner of the Great Arab Minds Award in Architecture and Design, titled "Observations on Architecture: An Afterlife of Form," exploring how form and meaning evolve in design through human and cultural interaction.
Key sessions at the event discussed foresight-driven governance, resilient architecture, sustainable urban storytelling, and community-focused design. The event reaffirmed Dubai's role as a global hub for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive urban development.