Dubai has signed an agreement to establish the Centre for Global Future Opportunities, a joint initiative between the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and the World Economic Forum (WEF).

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum witnessed the signing during the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders. He is Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation.

The centre will be overseen by DFF. It aims to turn promising opportunities across technological, economic and societal fields into tangible outcomes. These include policies, recommendations, pilot projects and initiatives.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said: “Dubai is a global hub for turning future opportunities into tangible outcomes that benefit communities and improve people’s lives. Our vision for the future is built on effective partnerships that enable us to shape a future worthy of the world’s ambitions, one that keeps pace with technological progress and global transformations while placing people at its centre.”

He added: “Dubai and the UAE will continue to be global partners in shaping the future, championing ambitious initiatives driven by optimism and the belief that technology should serve humanity. We reaffirm that investing in future opportunities is an investment in people, their ability to innovate and their capacity to drive sustainable development.”

The centre will develop practical pathways to turn identified opportunities into action. It will also identify the factors that enable progress and address implementation challenges. In addition, it will convene multidisciplinary labs to develop and test socioeconomic solutions. These labs will work with technology companies, institutions, international non-governmental organisations and universities.

Beyond that, the centre will advance ideas and opportunities emerging from the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders. It will also support innovation, research and development, and acceleration initiatives in the UAE and around the world.

The centre will foster global dialogue and collaboration as well. It will bring together companies, institutions, international organisations and communities to explore emerging opportunities. Together, they will develop new initiatives and partnerships. Through an international network of government partners, investment institutions, technology companies and research centres, it will give innovators, entrepreneurs and future thinkers a path to develop and scale their ideas from the UAE to global markets.

The signing took place in the presence of Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation. Alois Zwinggi, President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Economic Forum, also attended. So did His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Future Foundation.

Mohammad Al Gergawi said the UAE Government’s longstanding partnership with the World Economic Forum has delivered numerous achievements and major initiatives over the years. He noted that it has brought together governments, institutions and experts from around the world. Their aim has been to shape a better future for all and turn global challenges into economic and development opportunities that benefit communities.

He added: “Today, from Dubai, we are launching a new global initiative to identify future opportunities, create positive impact around the world and develop new models that drive economic growth and keep pace with rapid technological change. This reflects the UAE Government’s belief that effective international partnerships are fundamental to building a more prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come.”

Alois Zwinggi said: “The upcoming Centre for Global Future Opportunities will add a unique dimension to the WEF’s global network of Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By connecting regional and global expertise, it will help identify emerging opportunities and turn promising ideas into practical, forward-looking responses to pressing challenges.”

The new centre marks the latest milestone in the long-standing partnership between the UAE Government and the WEF. Previous joint initiatives include the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution UAE, launched in 2019. It supports the implementation of plans, policies and strategies for adopting Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies in the UAE. It also contributes to the development of emerging technologies and best practices across the Middle East and globally.

Overall, Global Future Opportunities will reflect the UAE and Dubai’s continued commitment to developing global platforms. These platforms bring together governments, institutions, businesses and innovators to shape a better future for humanity. They also aim to translate rapid global and technological change into opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development.

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