UAE Experts Highlight Importance Of Future Foresight At Dubai Future Forum 2025

At the Dubai Future Forum 2025, experts emphasised the importance of using data, human expertise, and smart technologies to shape policies that drive growth and innovation. Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, highlighted the shift towards "super foresight," where human intelligence merges with advanced AI. He noted that Dubai is well-prepared for this transition through global partnerships and strategic planning.

Belhoul pointed out several trends predicted in last year's Forum that have since come to fruition. These include a move away from GDP-only indicators in policymaking, a doubling of global solar energy capacity, renewed interest in lunar exploration, growth in genome banks, expanded off-campus learning opportunities, advances in wearable tech, and AI personas taking on senior advisory roles.

He identified three emerging foresight trends: the increasing value of focus as a strategic resource, experts' enhanced ability to turn data into practical solutions, and AI assistants becoming companions that enhance human interaction. Belhoul encouraged embracing super foresight to fulfil societal aspirations, stating that "the future belongs to those who ask the most important questions."

In another session titled "Are We Failing the Future with Today’s Decisions?", Lucie Berger, EU Ambassador to the UAE, Dr Cécile Aptel of UNICEF, and Virginia Dawson from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat discussed future policies. Berger emphasised prioritising intergenerational justice while Dr Aptel stressed equipping youth with foresight skills. Dawson highlighted cooperation between generations for shaping shared futures.

Brandon Duharty from Inside Out and Dr Alaa Murabit of 500 Global spoke about building balanced societies. They said strategic decisions and investment in equitable systems are crucial for future-ready communities. Duharty predicted sustainable solutions in education, food, agriculture, and fashion will soon emerge due to technological mastery by future generations. Dr Murabit added that ethical development financing will be vital over the next decade.

Anand Varma from WonderLab at National Geographic discussed humanity's need to reconnect with nature. In his talk "How Curiosity Rewrites Our Relationship with the Earth", he highlighted scientific curiosity's role in encouraging younger generations to protect natural resources for a sustainable future.

Polar Research Initiatives

Abdulla Al Mandous from the World Meteorological Organization reviewed progress on the Emirates Polar Programme. He outlined plans for expanding international polar research contributions through additional MOUs and field missions. The UAE aims to establish a base in Antarctica and launch a dedicated research vessel as part of these efforts.

The discussions at the Dubai Future Forum 2025 underscored the need for forward-thinking strategies grounded in data and technology. By fostering collaboration across generations and sectors, societies can navigate challenges effectively while ensuring sustainable development for future generations.

With inputs from WAM