Dubai's Design Thinking Transformation: An Emerging Global Model for Smart Governance
Dubai's Design Thinking Transformation (ET Spotlight)
29:45 Min | May 19, 2025, 12:02 PM IST
Live, Work & Play in Dubai – Ft. Vera Futorjanski In this forward-looking episode of Live, Work & Play in Dubai, we're joined by Vera Futorjanski—global innovation strategist and founder of Veritas Ventures—to discuss Dubai's evolving approach to embedding innovation within governance. The episode dives into how Dubai transformed itself into a testing ground for emerging technologies by incorporating foresight tools such as scenario planning and future trends analysis into public policy design.
...Read More
Futorjanski recounts the early days of Dubai Future Accelerators, where government entities partnered with global startups to pilot technologies such as blockchain and experimental concepts like the Hyperloop and urban air mobility. She also reflects on Dubai's emphasis on public-private experimentation and cross-border collaboration, and how the city has emerged as a leader in the UAE's policy-driven innovation push, with growing global visibility.. The episode is a deep dive into how long-term strategic planning paired with agile execution can influence urban development in the digital age, shaping the cities of tomorrow.
...Read Less
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Google just dropped a whole diamond district in Roblox, and it's giving VIP energy
The tech gods have spoken—and they are wearing diamond-studded headphones. Google Play just launched its first-ever immersive Roblox experience, and yes, it is called the Diamond District. This glitter-filled virtual zone is serving real VIP energy and is exclusively available from now until July 2. Google drops a digital flex in Roblox Tied directly to Google's Play Points rewards programme, the Diamond District lets users link their Play Points accounts and unlock an entire world of perks. We are talking obstacle courses, shiny loot, wild mini-games, and a literal vault for Platinum, Gold and Diamond-tier users. Because why just play Roblox when you can play it in style? This Roblox takeover is more than just a pretty pixel. Google Play is clearly levelling up, blending its rewards system with one of the most popular digital playgrounds on Earth. According to Jackie Titus, Google Play's director of activations and engagement, the idea was to evolve their rewards programme into something bigger, more exciting, and globally interactive. Titus shared that after last year's success with Play Points, the team wanted to go even deeper. Roblox made perfect sense—it is where their users already are, and now it is where their loyalty gets rewarded. Digital drip and real-life rewards Inside the Diamond District, members can snag exclusive digital items, like gliders and headphones, all sparkling with that signature Play diamond flair. But wait—there is actual, physical merch too. We are talking a custom Google Play x Backbone One controller and a limited-edition gift box. And for those who love chaos and education? Duolingo's iconic green owl is crashing the party as a plushie giveaway. Titus explained that they wanted to bridge the gap between the digital and real worlds, offering tangible items to make the Roblox experience even more memorable. Built by the community, for the community Apparently, this Roblox realm was not just a plug-and-play project. Titus revealed the creative process began all the way back in January, with hands-on workshops, testing sessions, and custom builds. From the jump, the focus was on creating something that genuinely delighted Play Points users. If this is the future of loyalty programmes, sign us up, link the accounts, and hand us a glider.


Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Indian Express
Head-bopping with Shah Rukh Khan, scooty rides with Arijit Singh and singing on the sets of Baahubali; Ed Sheraan releases Saphhire music video
The music video for Ed Sheeran's new single 'Sapphire' is finally out, and the song is a love letter from Ed to India, a country which he has talked about extensively in the past, expressing his love for the culture and music. Shah Rukh Khan is seen singing along with Ed, and Arijit even has a small verse in the song, which he sings in Punjabi. The entire video has been shot across different locations in the country, including the sets of Baahubali and the streets of Kolkata and Hyderabad. The singer had shared a sneak peek into this Western-Punjabi fusion project, which is part of his eighth studio album, Play. Ed had talked about Arijit helping him out with the Punjabi lyrics but hadn't been clear whether the singer would be singing on the track or not. The visuals from the video include Ed travelling in a local bus, dancing with people in a cafe, exploring the sets of Baahubali, and taking in the scenic Hooghly River while standing on the barge in Kolkata. Much of the music video is shot in POV-style with the camera set straight on Sheeran as he travels from city to city. ALSO READ | Ed Sheeran 'loves' Shah Rukh Khan and drinking coffee with Arijit Singh: 'These guys were some of the best…' 'Play' is expected to come out on September 12, and three singles from the album have already been released. The album is much more interactive than anything Ed has put out in the past, with all three songs building some sort of connection with his fans. 'Azizam', which came out in April, is Ed's ode to Persian heritage and culture, and he even recorded a looper version of the song on the roofs of Old Delhi. The next single, 'Old Phone', again has a very personal and touching music video, with Ed doing a pop-up show for all his fans in a local pub. He said, 'I wanted fans to all come to this special first pop-up Old Phone pub gig to all be there for the same reason and be emotionally connected. I wanted everyone in that room to have felt the same feelings of nostalgia, longing, joy and sadness I had felt from going through my old phone.' 'Sapphire' maintains the tone for the album which Ed Sheeran incidentally completed during his trip to Goa, even though all three tracks are quite different from one another.


Hans India
5 hours ago
- Hans India
Accelerating Climate Action: How Indian Innovators Are Driving Sustainability on World Environment Day
Bengaluru: As the world comes together to mark World Environment Day, a wave of climate-conscious leadership is rising in India. Visionary entrepreneurs and businesses across sectors are stepping up—not just with promises, but with action. Whether it's backing climate-tech innovation, embedding sustainability in manufacturing, or revolutionizing urban mobility, leaders are reimagining how business can be a force for environmental good. Their message is clear: real progress toward a net-zero future demands collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven investment. Vasudha Madhavan, Founder & CEO of Ostara Advisors, emphasizes the role of climate-tech in driving systemic change. 'On this World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to driving sustainable change by supporting innovative climate-tech companies. Our mission is to connect visionary entrepreneurs with the capital they need to build a greener, cleaner future for India and beyond, helping accelerate the journey to net zero. Together, through collaboration and conscious investment, we can speed up the transition to a low-carbon economy and create lasting environmental impact. Let's use this day to inspire action and embrace sustainability in small day-to-day choices we make in our lives.' For IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST), sustainability is embedded into product design and operational processes. Matthew Foxton, India Regional President and Executive Vice President of Branding & Communications at IDEMIA Group, shares, 'At IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST), environmental sustainability is thought into everything we do. On World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to reducing environmental impact across our operations, from eco-designed products to improved manufacturing and service processes. Initiatives like GREENPAY and GREENCONNECT reflect how IST incorporates environmental considerations into secure payment and connectivity solutions. We follow a clear path: reduce, reuse and recycle, while partnering with responsible suppliers and driving resource efficiency across our value chain. At IST India, this commitment comes alive through energy-efficient practices, waste reduction, and community-driven initiatives.' In the mobility space, Routematic is leading efforts to reduce emissions through smarter corporate transport. Sriram Kannan, Founder & CEO of Routematic, notes, 'This World Environment Day, as the global focus sharpens on curbing pollution, we're reminded that sustainability must be embedded in every layer of business operations, including how we move people. With ESG goals reshaping corporate strategies, businesses are rethinking employee transport and Routematic is proud to lead this shift. As India's leading AI-driven Corporate Transport-as-a-Service provider, we combine AI-powered route optimization, shared mobility, and EV integration to reduce emissions and resource use. Serving 300,000+ users across 23 cities, and targeting 30% EV fleet adoption, we're building a corporate mobility ecosystem that's smart, responsible, and truly sustainable.' Together, these voices signal a transformative shift in how Indian businesses are approaching sustainability—through bold leadership, collaborative action, and innovative solutions that serve both planet and people.