Dubai: 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), attended the Dubai Future Forum 2024 taking place at the Museum of the Future from 19-20 November. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised Dubai’s standing as a global pathbreaker in designing the future and anticipating emerging trends and opportunities, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Dubai Future Forum, the world’s largest gathering of futurists, has brought together more than 2,500 participants from around 100 countries, alongside over 150 speakers, including government officials, CEOs, academics, decision-makers, thought leaders, and futurists. The forum features 70 sessions dedicated to exploring key trends and shaping global strategies for the future.
Sheikh Hamd
an expressed that the Dubai Future Forum has established itself as one of the world’s top gatherings of futurists, enabling the global community to keep pace with rapid changes while highlighting new opportunities. He stated that the forum’s outcomes will guide governments, societies, and institutions worldwide as they plan their futures.
‘Dubai remains resolutely optimistic about the future. Through the Dubai Future Forum, we are committed to bridging the gap and uniting futurists, academics, and researchers with policymakers, officials, and regulators. We will continue to build international partnerships that enable us to imagine the future and bring our ambitions to life,’ Sheikh Hamdan commented.
Sheikh Hamdan also visited the Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity exhibition, which showcases 100 innovative projects from around the world that address the most pressing challenges facing the world. The initiative, overseen by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, provi
des a global platform for university students and academics to showcase groundbreaking solutions to complex problems facing humanity. The initiative’s key partners include the Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Culture, Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation, which recently committed AED100 million to advancing innovation and technology in Dubai.
Sheikh Hamdan also met with 42 graduates from the first cohort of FEEL: A Disruptive Futures Programme. Launched by DFF, the programme equips participants with the skills to capitalise on emerging opportunities and strategically prepare plans for the future. Additionally, H.H. attended the graduation ceremony for 20 standout prospects who were part of the fourth batch of the Dubai Future Experts Programme, aimed at certifying future experts within the Dubai government.
The opening day of the Dubai Future Forum featured seven plenary sessions in addition to 15 thematic sessions that focused on five key themes: Foresight Insights
, Transforming Humanity, Futuring Nature, Empowering Generations, and Optimising Health. The day also included workshops hosted by leading organizations such as the World Health Organisation, the Future of Life Institute, and ARUP, each tackling critical aspects of future development and innovation.
