Through landmark events like the Dubai Future Forum and GITEX GLOBAL, Dubai is forging a market-leading reputation for itself as a facilitator of the future.
Dr. Michio Kaku is instantly recognisable. His flowing hair seems like it has always been there, an eternal signifier of his global standing as science’s most beloved celebrity. But in a crowd of eager listeners, it flaps ever so slightly as he talks about what the future may hold for humanity.
The renowned theoretical physicist held an audience on 11th October at the Museum of the Future, in a wide-ranging discussion with Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs for the U.A.E. From telepathy and alien contact to genetic engineering and quantum computing, Dr. Kaku asserted that these seemingly fanciful ideas are in fact wholly possible.
His presence is a star attraction at one of Dubai’s star attractions — the Dubai Future Forum. An annual event organized by the Dubai Future Foundation, the forum brings together the world’s foremost scientists, innovators and futurist organisations for expansive discussions on the future trajectory of the key sectors set to shape the world.
It is part of a well-established Dubai tradition to bring together individuals from disparate arenas. In addition to post-pandemic challenges and geopolitical fragility, corporate and government policymakers are also experiencing rapid shifts brought upon by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with robotics and AI its most prominent markers. In this context, Dubai’s role as a stable and multicultural hub is vital in facilitating solutions to today and tomorrow’s most pressing problems.
Indeed, the forum itself recognises this — its themes include “Mitigating Existential Risk Through Foresight” and “Value and Humanity.”
A metro stop away from the Museum of the Future is the Dubai World Trade Centre. Immediately noticeable against the backdrop of the fiery desert sun, it is an historic building emblematic of Dubai’s rise to international acclaim. It has also just played host to GITEX GLOBAL 2022. An annual fixture since 1981, the event affords ample space to display digital and technological offerings to an increasingly worldwide audience. Indeed, the 2022 edition welcomed participants from over 170 countries.
A recent MasterCard report released during this year’s run emphasises the benefits of fintech offerings, especially during volatile periods like recessions and pandemics. It also praises the U.A.E. for swiftly adopting relevant regulations. In fact, in this regard, the U.A.E. leads a pack that includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and Turkey — a trend that bodes well for the technological standing of the Middle East.
GITEX is the world’s largest technology show. The Dubai Future Forum brings together the world’s prominent futurist personalities. Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has a headquarters in The Sandbox metaverse. Many real estate developers are embracing cryptocurrency.
This desire to shape the future is quickly becoming Dubai’s defining trait. It extends to iconic structures, too — in addition to hosting global exhibitions, concerts and consulates, the Dubai World Trade Centre is now also a zone and regulator for cryptocurrency and other virtual assets.
Mohammad Al Gergawi summarises the prevailing attitude best: “When the U.A.E. was formed 50 years ago, we barely had any roads. Last year, we went to Mars.”
