Dubai: “Dubai has developed a world-class framework to imagine, design and create the future,” Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), said today.
Describing Dubai as one of the most future-ready cities in the world, he said the emirate has created a unique blueprint for fostering strategic partnerships, disruptive business models and innovative workplace practices. He was briefed on DFF’s achievements and milestones, as well as its current and upcoming projects at the meeting.
Dubai’s model for shaping the future, which has been inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aims to institutionalise foresight and create an integrated system for long-term planning and success.
"We aim to maintain Dubai’s position as the leading city of the future and one of the most future-ready cities in the world across all sectors. To achieve this, we encourage everyone to contribute to shaping and designing the future and developing proactive plans to keep pace with emerging challenges and invest in its opportunities. We believe that all of us should adopt a culture of strategic foresight."
- Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
He also described DFF, launched six years ago, as one of the organisations most sought after in the world by institutions focused on exploring future trends and anticipating changes in a myriad of industries.
“Dubai Future Foundation will continue to play a pivotal role in anticipating the future of technology, issuing reports and launching national strategies to deploy technologies with the potential to change work, life and the economy. We will continue to inspire global cities by designing the future of Dubai in collaboration with our public and private sector partners,” His Highness added.
Future global gatherings
Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on major events organised by DFF, including the inaugural Dubai Future Forum. To date, DFF has organised nearly 1,000 events, gatherings and workshops that have attracted more than 73,000 participants. The Foundation has also played an instrumental role in enhancing Dubai’s position as a leading venue for the world’s largest gatherings of futurists and a testbed for disruptive ideas.
He also received an update on the Dubai Future District Fund, a Dh1 billion investment fund launched to support entrepreneurs and startups, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The value of these investments is expected to reach $1.7 billion in 2025.
The Fund will support the Dubai Future District, home to Emirates Towers, the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai International Financial Centre, that will create an integrated ecosystem for shaping the future in partnership with government entities and the private sector, including multinational corporations and startups.