Dubai Foresight Awards Unveiled At Dubai Future Forum 2024 To Honour Global Innovators

The Dubai Foresight Awards were announced at the end of the Dubai Future Forum 2024, the largest gathering of futurists worldwide. These awards, initiated under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aim to honour global thinkers and innovators in foresight and future design. The awards recognise their significant contributions to creating a better future for humanity.

Winners from this inaugural edition will be celebrated at the next Dubai Future Forum, set for 18–19 November 2025 at the Museum of the Future. The awards feature three categories: "Foresight Change Makers," "Foresight for People," and "Foresight for the Planet." Each category acknowledges individuals or groups making impactful contributions through foresight.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation, highlighted Dubai's role as a global hub for futurists and innovators. He stated, "Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai and the UAE have become a global meeting point for futurists, innovators, and foresight institutions."

The forum hosted over 2,500 experts from 100 countries and institutions specialising in foresight. More than 70 sessions addressed themes like sustainability, artificial intelligence, health, and digital economy. It emphasised global cooperation in designing opportunities for shared progress.

This year's forum explored sectors such as space, sustainability, energy, food, health, technology, and artificial intelligence. Discussions centred on five main themes: Foresight Insights, Transforming Humanity, Empowering Generations, Future Nature, and Optimising Health. These discussions aimed to identify challenges and foster collaboration on sustainable strategies.

The awards align with Dubai’s vision to create an integrated foresight ecosystem that drives innovative strategies for future generations. This initiative underscores the importance of building foresight capabilities to ensure resilience in communities and economies against future challenges.

The forum continues to be a platform where experts exchange ideas and collaborate on strategies for a sustainable future. It reaffirms the significance of cross-border collaborations in advancing civilisation and human progress.

With inputs from WAM