Power of Adaptive Tech for People of Determination Highlighted at Dubai Forum

The Dubai Future Forum saw key discussions on the role of adaptive technologies in empowering people of determination. His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), delivered a powerful keynote during the session titled “Making the Case: Which Way to the Future?” He emphasized the importance of governments enabling innovation rather than controlling it, highlighting Dubai’s forward-thinking regulatory frameworks that foster a dynamic ecosystem of growth.

“Governments that succeed don’t run the show; they enable it,” said HE Belhoul, pointing to Dubai’s regulatory labs and sandbox systems that allow safe experimentation with new technologies. These initiatives bring together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to collaborate and develop solutions that are both innovative and scalable.

Amy Webb, CEO of the Future Today Institute, praised the UAE for its strategic foresight, calling it a global model. “The UAE is a testament to the power of strategic foresight. A handful of visionaries had a long-term plan for what this place could become, created a strategic roadmap, and acted on it,” Webb noted.

The conversation also addressed the challenge of measuring the success of future initiatives, with Webb stressing the need for data to track outcomes. “Without data to prove outcomes, it is hard to measure the effectiveness of what you’re doing, especially when you are working on the future. Success often means the crisis didn’t happen, which is challenging to quantify,” she added.

In the session “Enter the Future: Technology for Humanity,” Dr. Jordan Nguyen, a biomedical engineer and futurist, discussed the transformative impact of adaptive technologies on the lives of people of determination. As the founder of Psykinetic, Dr. Nguyen highlighted how technology empowers individuals to achieve greater independence and mobility. “The key is collaboration and creativity—turning ambitious ideas into solutions that truly make a difference,” he stated.

The Dubai Future Forum, held from 19–20 November at the Museum of the Future, is the world’s largest gathering of futurists. Over 2,500 experts from 100 countries and representatives from 100 global organizations specializing in future design are attending the event, showcasing Dubai’s leadership in shaping the future of technology.