The third edition of the Dubai Future Forum, recognized as the largest global assembly of futurists, is set to commence tomorrow, Tuesday, November 19, at the Museum of the Future. This event is held under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF). The Forum, Dubai Media Office reported, aims to provide an exceptional platform for international thought leaders to devise actionable solutions for the future.
Organized by the Dubai Future Foundation, the Forum will take place on November 19-20, gathering more than 150 distinguished speakers from both the UAE and across the globe. Additionally, it will welcome over 2,500 experts hailing from around 100 countries, alongside representatives from 100 leading international organizations focused on futurism.
Global hub for futurists
His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE minister of Cabinet Affairs, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees, and managing director of DFF, described the Dubai Future Forum as a worldwide platform for future foresight and collaboration. This aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, highlighting Dubai’s dedication to preparing for the future and seizing emerging opportunities.
HE Al Gergawi remarked: “Dubai and the UAE have become a global hub for futurists passionate about shaping the future to explore transformative shifts, identify priorities, and raise recommendations to support decision-makers to ensure global readiness for future changes.”
He further emphasized that the rapid changes in technology, society, and the environment require a constant reassessment of the government’s priorities regarding future readiness and the necessary tools to achieve that. Moreover, he noted that a government’s success relies on its ability to anticipate and take advantage of future opportunities. He also expressed that the Dubai Future Forum aims to bring together experts and decision-makers to build strong international partnerships and develop solutions that would benefit all of humanity.
The Forum will explore five essential themes: Foresight Insights, Transforming Humanity, Optimising Health, Empowering Generations, and Futuring Nature. These themes will be examined through a variety of sessions that address some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping our world today.
Panels & keynotes
The inaugural day of the Dubai Future Forum 2024 will feature an engaging lineup of panels and keynote addresses, kicking off with the session titled ‘From Deep Space to Deep Ocean: A Future of Exploration and Discovery.’ This session will include notable speakers such as Sara Sabry, the first Arab and African female astronaut; Professor Oussama Khatib, the creator of the deep-sea exploration robot OceanOneK; and Suaad Al Harthi, a National Geographic explorer.
Other significant sessions will include ‘Concepts of Time: How Do They Shape Our Future?’ featuring Jonathan Keats, an expert in applied philosophy; Ann Beate Hovind, Chair of the Future Library Trust; and Dr. Patrick Noack of the Dubai Future Foundation. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Dr. Parag Khanna, founder of AlphaGeo, discussing ‘Setting the Scene: Where is Humanity Going?’ and Dr. Jordan Nguyen, founder of Psykinetic, presenting on ‘Enter the Future: Technology for Humanity.’ Additionally, ‘Making the Case: Which Way to the Future?’ will highlight insights from His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, and Amy Webb, CEO of the Future Today Institute.
Thematic sessions
In conjunction with the panels and keynotes, the first day will feature 15 specialized thematic sessions that will cover a range of topics, including societal transformations, future ecosystems, generational opportunities, and advancements in healthcare. Global experts will tackle urgent questions and offer critical perspectives on issues such as the rights of nature, the future of the pharmaceutical industry in the age of AI, and humanity’s capacity to steer its own future. A highlight will be a session led by 92-year-old Japanese cardiologist Makoto Suzuki, who will discuss longevity research.
The Foresight Insights theme will include discussions on: ‘Beyond the National: How to Future at the Multilateral, Global and Local Levels?’, ‘Foresight in Practice: What Can We Learn from Around the Globe?’, and ‘Network Weaving: How Can the Practice of Linking Past, Present, and Future Lead to Systemic Change?’.
The Transforming Humanity theme will cover sessions such as: ‘Investing in a Better Future: What Will Be the Role of Philanthropy?’, ‘Future by Design: How Materials Are Shaping Our World?’, and ‘Echoes of Tomorrow: What Impact can Science Fiction Have on Imagining the Future?’.
Meanwhile, the Futuring Nature theme will explore: ‘Wild Comeback: Will We Engineer Nature Resilience in the Future?’, ‘Futuring the Law: Which Rights Will Nature Stand For?’, and ‘Deeper Underground: Why the Fungi Hype?’.
The Empowering Generations theme will feature sessions like: ‘Power of Traditions: How Can Myths Unlock Innovation?’, ‘The Control Illusion: Are Humans Really Shaping the Future?’, and ‘The Grief Stage: How Can Society Overcome Future Challenges?’.
Moreover, the Optimising Health theme will address crucial sessions including: ‘Pharma’s New Frontier: How Is Outside Innovation Reshaping Drug Discovery?’, ‘Longevity Cities: Utopia or Dystopia?’, and ‘Earth’s Checkup: What Can We Gain by Connecting Our Wellbeing to Our Planet’s Future?’.
Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity
The Forum will also spotlight the ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ initiative, which will showcase the top 100 prototypes and innovative solutions at AREA 2071, Emirates Towers. This initiative, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, is a collaborative effort between the Dubai Future Foundation and the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation, which has committed AED 100 million to foster innovation and technology in Dubai. The Dubai Future Solutions Awards, held on the first day of the forum, will celebrate pioneering projects that significantly contribute to creating a better future.
Activations & workshops
The first day will also include interactive workshops such as ‘Future of Making: A New Material Culture?’ by ARUP, ‘Flipping the Script: How Can Films Shape Positive AI Futures?’ by the Future of Life Institute, and ‘Shaping Health Futures: What Actions Today Will Build a Healthier Tomorrow?’ organized by the World Health Organisation and Museum of Discovery (MOD). Engaging activations like ‘Play-Full Futures’ and ‘Foresight Games Showcase’ will complement these workshops.
This year’s forum will introduce city-wide activations designed to bring the concepts of future design closer to the community. These events, which combine art and cinema, will take place at Cinema Akil in One Central, Alserkal Avenue, and The Courtyard in Al Qouz from November 18-21.
