Dubai Future Forum 2025 concluded at the Museum of the Future after two days of discussions, innovations, and strategic announcements. The event was organised by Dubai Future Foundation (DFF). Officials reported that the Forum welcomed more than 2,500 participants, over 200 speakers, and representatives from more than 100 global institutions. It reinforced the event’s position as the world’s largest gathering of futurists. DFF announced the next edition will take place on 17–18 November 2026.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the Forum’s activities. He honoured the winners of the first Dubai Foresight Awards. He also met the fifth cohort of the Dubai Future Experts Program and the second cohort of the FEEL: A Disruptive Futures Program. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also attended sessions.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honoured winners of the Dubai Future Solutions, Prototypes for Humanity programme. The programme was held under directives from Sheikh Hamdan.

His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi stated that Dubai’s future-driven model is built on proactive readiness, anticipating change, and identifying global opportunities. He said foresight is a core pillar for future priorities that impact societies worldwide. He added that Dubai will continue supporting innovators who design future solutions and harness emerging opportunities.

Officials announced several major developments during the Forum. His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama confirmed that Dubai recorded the first commercial agentic AI payment transaction outside the United States. Mastercard executed the transaction in partnership with Majid Al Futtaim on the morning of the Forum’s opening.

The fourth edition featured key predictions. His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul highlighted three global shifts shaping humanity’s future. These included focus becoming a new currency, a rise in information overload, and AI companions evolving into digital best friends.

Speakers predicted gene therapy will treat blood and liver diseases within five years. They also revealed that all 4,000 genetic diseases could be eliminated within a decade. Experts anticipated that future policies will prioritise ethical governance and human well-being. They said advanced wearables will support daily AI integration. They predicted that 30% of Fortune 500 CEOs will have a digital twin by 2028. Some experts warned that fully omniscient AI could pose an existential threat.

Forecasts also revealed demographic shifts. Reports suggested that by 2060, for every 100 people working, 52 may be unemployed. Academic institutions may shift from driving innovation to coordinating it across sectors as AI advances.

Speakers shared new records that will shape future generations. They reported that global child mortality has halved over 25 years. The UN System of National Accounts 2025 now recognises sustainability and well-being as key growth indicators. Solar capacity exceeded 2,200 GW by end-2024. Nearly 2 billion people lack clean drinking water. The Emirates Genomic Research Program holds 120 petabytes of genomic data. The UAE is planning an Antarctica research base for more than 50 people.

DFF announced that 31 new institutions joined the Global Futures Society, bringing total membership to 91 across 33 countries.

The Forum raised urgent questions on global cooperation. Leaders debated AI’s role in society, future governance, digital life, and redefining growth beyond GDP. They discussed efficiency, well-being, climate responsibility, future education systems, and human-machine interactions.

The two-day programme featured workshops, thematic sessions, and global activities. UNICEF launched a new report titled The Future of Childhood in a Changing World. Awards were presented on the second day.

The Future Stories Awards recognised authors shaping future-focused storytelling. First place went to Thomas Knuijver for “Above a Simulated Nile”, a narrative about AI simulating human emotion. Second place went to Pierluigi Fasano for “The Awakening”, exploring a self-aware AI in an engineered body. Third place went to Maryam Al Shawab from the UAE for “The Safe Space”, depicting emotional therapy in a society shared by humans and androids.

Dubai Future Forum 2025 brought together partners including Dubai Municipality, Emirates Global Aluminium, Emirates Flight Catering, UNICEF, XPANCEO, The Explorers Club, and multiple universities.

DFF announced a new report titled The Future of Space Solar Power, focused on harvesting solar energy beyond Earth’s atmosphere and transmitting it wirelessly back to Earth.

The event also introduced a Book Corner for launches, signings, and direct engagement with global authors. Attendees experienced virtual, augmented, and extended reality installations.

DFF signed a partnership with Dubai Police to support future-focused research and digital innovation. Another partnership was signed with The Explorers Club to support collaboration across exploration, science, and foresight initiatives.

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