Future-ready UAE shows the world how foresight builds long-term resilience
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
For the UAE, foresight is not only a strategic imperative but a national compass guiding institutions and communities through rapid developments and boosting long-term resilience, a leading futurist has told Aletihad . Dr. Sulaiman Al Kaabi, CEO of the Future Foresight Foundation, said foresight was no longer some obscure academic practice but had been built into governance and policymaking.'Today, the element of foresight is clearly present in every government plan or initiative,' he said.'The leadership recognises that remaining at the forefront of innovative nations requires a long-term vision and constant preparedness for unexpected changes. Foresight is not a luxury; it is part of the national identity.'An expert in strategic foresight and futures studies, Dr. Al Kaabi is the first person from the UAE and the Gulf region to join the Association of Professional Futurists (APF). He is also a member of the World Future Society (WFS). He authored the Future Foresight Encyclopaedia in Arabic, the first of its kind in the Arab world.Foresight represents a way of thinking — a formative value and an element of national identity, he said.'It begins from the outside in; it examines global changes and builds scenarios around them. Traditional planning [on the other hand] starts from the inside out, building on current capabilities,' Dr. Al Kaabi said. 'Foresight is the compass, and planning is the roadmap,' he said, stressing its importance in a fast-changing world of 'technological, social, and economic revolutions.'Foresight 'places the UAE in a position of initiative, not reaction'. It is evident in how the country is preparing for challenges such as AI's impact on the workforce, climate change, cybersecurity, and resource sustainability, Dr. Al Kaabi said. Foresight allows the UAE to act fast in times of crisis, with plans ready before problems arise, he said. He pointed to the UAE's swift COVID-19 response as proof of how foresight works; just as it underpins long-term goals like We the UAE 2031 and UAE Centennial 2071.'Foresight provides the country with the tools necessary to review its path and update its goals based on global developments,' Dr. Al Kaabi said.
Leveraging New TechAI and big data have revolutionised how strategies are future-proofed, he added. Advanced technology now bolsters entities' ability to create 'accurate scenarios, faster decisions, and plans that can be adjusted instantly.' Future Foresight Foundation has been helping institutions build future-ready plans and stay ahead of emerging trends.'It is the first private foundation in the UAE and the Arabian Gulf to place scientific foresight at the core of its work,' Dr. Al Kaabi said. 'It specialises in conducting futures studies and developing practical, implementable scenarios.' The foundation collaborates with the public and private sectors and philanthropic organisations across the world through consultations, training courses, and strategic programmes to help them prepare for potential disruptions and capitalise on new opportunities. 'We are committed to applying globally recognised scientific methodologies and utilising the latest analytical and artificial intelligence tools to create accurate visions of the future,' Dr. Al Kaabi said. The foundation, for an instance, uses an Arab-developed foresight model based on global best practices. It uses big data and expert insights to build detailed, sector-specific scenarios. Foresight, he added, now drives progress in education, healthcare, energy, security, and the economy.
Empowering the Youth Central to building future-ready strategies is empowering the youth, and the UAE has been on the right track when it comes to highlighting the importance of looking ahead. 'Young people are the fuel and engine of any real change… We must empower them to become the makers of the future,' Dr. Al Kaabi said.In the country, foresight is being embedded in education, he added. 'We need foresight to be a fundamental component of the educational process, not just an additional subject or a side activity.
With the UAE's clear vision and a future-focused mindset, the country has become 'an international reference in future thinking.' Dr. Al Kaabi said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
43 minutes ago
- Al Etihad
UAE, Russian Presidents discuss bilateral strategic partnership in Moscow
7 Aug 2025 19:37 MOSCOW (WAM)UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, to discuss enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries, in addition to regional and international issues of common two leaders met today at the Kremlin as part of His Highness' official visit to the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Excellency Putin reviewed progress in UAE-Russia cooperation, particularly in the fields of the economy, trade, investment, space, and energy, as well as other areas that serve the development-focused priorities of both countries and reflect their aim to bolster their strategic Highness the President stated that UAE-Russia relations are based on mutual trust and respect, as well as deep-rooted and constructive engagement spanning more than 50 years. His Highness affirmed the UAE's commitment to building effective partnerships with other countries and enhancing international cooperation to address shared global challenges and foster prosperity and development for Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Excellency Putin also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. In this regard, His Highness affirmed the UAE's steadfast commitment to strengthening peace and stability while advancing diplomatic solutions both regionally and two sides also discussed the importance of the Russia-Arab summit, scheduled to be held in October at the direction of His Excellency Putin, in strengthening Russia's relations with the Arab Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Excellency Putin reviewed developments in the Middle East, underscoring the need to intensify efforts towards achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution with the aim of promoting stability and security for Highness also expressed his appreciation to His Excellency Putin for facilitating the UAE's mediation concerning the exchange of over 4,000 prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, emphasising the UAE's continued willingness to further advance this humanitarian his part, His Excellency Putin welcomed His Highness to Russia, expressing his appreciation for the UAE's ongoing mediation efforts on prisoner Excellency Putin stated that Russia attaches great importance to developing its relations with the UAE, noting that the two countries' cooperation continues to grow, especially in the economic and investment Excellency Putin hosted a luncheon for His Highness and the accompanying arriving earlier at the Kremlin, His Highness the President was received by His Excellency Putin. The national anthems of both countries were played, and His Highness greeted senior officials lined up to welcome him, while His Excellency Putin greeted members of the delegation accompanying His the sidelines of the visit, the two countries signed the Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA).The agreement was signed on behalf of the UAE by His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, and on behalf of the Russian side by His Excellency Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic UAE-Russia TISIA complements the Economic Partnership Agreement signed between the UAE and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, in addition to Russia. It provides a special bilateral cooperation framework focusing on services and investment, including in the areas of financial technology, healthcare, transportation, logistics, professional services, and Excellency Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and His Excellency Andrey Nikitin, Russian Minister of Transport, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of land delegation accompanying His Highness the President attended the talks, including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of Supreme Council for National Security; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade; Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment; Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Adviser to the President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs; Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the President's Office for Strategic Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office; and Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation, along with a number of senior talks were also attended by ministers and senior officials from the Russian side. His Highness the President departed Moscow at the conclusion of his official visit to Russia, with military aircraft escorting His Highness' plane through Russian airspace.
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
Phoenix Group earns strong 'Buy' endorsement from H.C. Wainwright
Phoenix Group PLC (ADX: PHX), an IHC portfolio company and global leader in blockchain and digital asset infrastructure, has received a reaffirmed Buy rating from US investment bank H.C. Wainwright & Co., along with a price target of AED 3.00. This recommendation stems from the company's strategic evolution beyond its traditional mining operations into high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC). As of the August 4, 2025 closing price of AED 1.48, analysts estimate Phoenix Group shares have more than 102 per cent upside potential, reflecting the market's confidence in the company's diversified expansion. Titled 'Re‑Energised Sites and AI/HPC Feasibility Prime Upside; Reit. Buy,' the report highlights Phoenix's: Transition toward higher-margin self-mining operations, bolstered by growing digital asset holdings. Expanded global operational footprint, enhancing resilience and growth potential. Substantial digital asset treasury, including Bitcoin and Solana holdings exceeding US$150 million. The analysts note that Phoenix's ambitious foray into AI and HPC infrastructure positions it to capitalise on surging demand for advanced compute capabilities, creating fresh revenue streams as new operational sites come online. A key strength highlighted is Phoenix's integration within the IHC ecosystem. As an IHC portfolio company, Phoenix benefits from shared resources and strategic alignment, support that strengthens its ability to scale and innovate within the fast-moving tech landscape. 'We are delighted that H.C. Wainwright sees the significant value and enormous potential in our strategy,' said Munaf Ali, CEO and co-founder of Phoenix Group. 'This report validates our team's hard work to expand our core mining operations efficiently while boldly moving into the AI and HPC space. As an IHC portfolio company, we are committed to driving innovation and delivering superior returns for our shareholders, and this report confirms we are on the right path.' Although the report acknowledges inherent sector-specific risks, particularly the volatility of digital asset markets, it remains confident in Phoenix's strategic vision and competitive positioning. About Phoenix Group PLC Phoenix Group PLC, an IHC Portfolio Company, is a multi-billion-dollar global technology leader headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE. As one of the world's top ten Bitcoin miners, it operates over 500 megawatts across the UAE, U.S., Canada, Oman, and Ethiopia, running the biggest mining farm in MENA. Phoenix Group is the first crypto and blockchain conglomerate in the region to be listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).
Al Etihad
2 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Spinneys posts Dh170 million H1 profit on strong sales momentum, store expansion
7 Aug 2025 18:25 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Spinneys reported a net profit of Dh170 million for the first half of 2025, up 16.2% year-on-year, reflecting continued growth in like-for-like sales, increased online penetration, and the contribution of six new stores, which were opened during the for the six-month period rose 13.7% to Dh1.8 billion, while profit before tax jumped 24.4% to Dh202 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 20% to Dh365 million, maintaining an industry-leading margin of 20.1%. Gross profit for the half stood at Dh753 million, up 14.2% from the prior company's store network expansion strategy continued apace, with nine stores added across the UAE and Saudi Arabia over the past 12 months — including the recent launch of Spinneys Mina Port and The Kitchen by Spinneys in Wafi Mall. The total number of transactions grew 12.2% year-on-year to 20.6 million in H1, while average basket size remained stable at the first quarter of 2025 alone, Spinneys posted revenue of Dh910 million, a 16.2% increase from Q1 2024. Quarterly profit rose 18.5% to Dh85 million, while adjusted EBITDA grew by 19.3% to Dh183 Sunil Kumar said the first-half performance 'reflects the strength of the Spinneys brand and our continued focus on delivering fresh, high-quality food experiences to our customers across the region.''Strong like-for-like growth, the success of our Fresh and Private Label ranges, and the acceleration of our online and store expansion strategy have all contributed to robust top- and bottom-line results,' he also highlighted the successful launch of 'Discovery by Spinneys,' a new premium private label range that debuted with an exclusive Scottish strawberry variety. 'This marks the beginning of a broader journey to bring exclusive, high-quality products to our customers,' he said. Looking ahead, the company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 guidance, including the opening of 10–12 new stores across the UAE and Saudi Arabia and maintaining its strong adjusted EBITDA margin of 19–20%. An interim dividend of approximately Dh120 million was also approved for H1 2025, equivalent to 3.32 fils per share.
