Latest news with #DubaiFutureForum
Mid East Info
21-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai–Hamburg Innovation Corridor to Drive R&D, Scaleups, and Foresight - Middle East Business News and Information
• Partnership to support projects under Dubai-Hamburg Innovation Corridor connecting research, scaleups, and foresight. • Agreement signed as part of DFF's participation in the Dubai Business Forum Germany in Hamburg, organised by Dubai Chambers. Dubai, UAE – May 2025: Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce (HCC) have signed a partnership agreement to strengthen cooperation in future-facing sectors and establish a new innovation corridor between Dubai and Hamburg. The agreement was signed during the Dubai Business Forum Germany in Hamburg, powered by Dubai Chambers, with the aim of connecting the two cities' innovation ecosystems; linking talent, research, and scalable enterprise across borders. It was signed in the presence of His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Dubai Chambers, and His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, Director General of the Dubai Chambers. Under the partnership agreement, both entities will explore joint initiatives in areas such as future research, smart cities, sustainability, and emerging technologies including AI and mobility. The agreement also lays the groundwork for knowledge exchange between key R&D institutions, structured startup pathways, joint foresight efforts, and participation in flagship events like Dubai Future Forum and Hamburg's Future Economy Day. Commenting on the signing, Alia Al Mur, Chief of Transformation and Partnerships at DFF, said: 'This partnership reinforces DFF's commitment to connecting Dubai's innovation ecosystem with global counterparts. Hamburg's research and industrial depth makes it a natural partner, and together, we're laying the foundation for shared growth across future sectors. Through this partnership agreement, we aim to enable stronger international scaleup collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the design of new models for public-private foresight.' Dr. Malte Heyne, Managing Director of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, said: 'Dubai is much more than just a trading partner for Hamburg – it is the gateway to one of the most dynamic growth regions in the world. By signing a cooperation agreement with the Dubai Future Foundation, we are deepening our innovation partnership in a targeted manner in order to fully leverage the potential of our common sector, but complementary ecosystem strengths for the benefit of both our cities. We build on our long-standing cooperation with Dubai Chambers for a more intensive exchange, joint innovation projects and sustainable economic cooperation.' The partnership agreement marks a step forward in realizing the vision of a connected, collaborative global future—one shaped by open exchange, shared opportunity, and a mutual commitment to long-term impact. DFF's participation at the Dubai Business Forum Germany in Hamburg also included meetings with German innovation stakeholders, discussions with the Hamburg AI Center (ARIC), and the Hamburg AI Fund, a presentation on Sandbox Dubai, and a roundtable on Dubai and Hamburg's technology landscape.
Hi Dubai
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Future Foundation Signs Innovation Pact with Hamburg Chamber of Commerce
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has signed a strategic partnership with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce (HCC) to boost cooperation in innovation-led sectors and create a new corridor linking the future economies of Dubai and Hamburg. The agreement, signed during the Dubai Business Forum Germany in Hamburg, aims to connect the two cities' innovation ecosystems—facilitating cross-border collaboration in research, enterprise, and emerging technologies. In the presence of Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, and Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Chambers, the partnership outlines joint efforts in smart cities, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and mobility. It also supports the exchange of knowledge between research institutions, structured support for startups, and participation in key events like the Dubai Future Forum and Hamburg's Future Economy Day. Alia Al Mur, Chief of Transformation and Partnerships at DFF, said the partnership builds on Dubai's goal of linking its innovation efforts with global counterparts, highlighting Hamburg's strong industrial and research base as a natural complement. Dr. Malte Heyne, Managing Director of HCC, noted that the agreement deepens Hamburg's ties with Dubai beyond trade, enabling more targeted cooperation across innovation projects and sustainable growth sectors. The agreement signals a shared commitment to shaping a globally connected future through collaboration, foresight, and scalable innovation. DFF's visit to Hamburg also featured high-level meetings with German innovation leaders, engagements with the Hamburg AI Centre and AI Fund, and a presentation on Dubai's Sandbox initiative. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Khaleej Times
10-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Khalfan Belhoul on Dubai's Future: AI, Innovation, and the Vision Behind the Museum of the Future
HE Khalfan Belhoul grew up dreaming of becoming a footballer, holding the World Cup, but it was not his path. The young futurist who credits sport with teaching him skills such as team work and leadership, is just 46-years-old, and is now the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), which was established in 2017. 'I remember how this [Dubai Future] foundation was formed and it shows you how visionary Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid is', he said. At the World Government Summit, there was a small setup known as 'the Museum of the Future' at the time, made up of a few people from the Prime Minister's office, with the idea of discussing challenges of the future, food, robotics, and AI. 'It took his highness one visit and the message was, this conversation should not be confined to a set group of people, we need to spread it to the world,' HE Belhoul said. And so the seeds of the institution were planted. 'We couldn't benchmark around the world as this was something new,' but he and the team were given free reins to build it and today, the museum sells out daily at least a month in advance. While the UAE has been the first country to have a dedicated Minister of AI, the future is still human, said HE Belhoul, who says talent is the way of the future as the UAE continues to attract some of the world's best minds across multiple sectors. 'Everything is driven by human capital, because human capital will be coming up with those great ideas,' he said, in spite of the fact that AI is playing a key role in the UAE's strategy. The DFF Is currently investing heavily in understanding the needs and mega-trends of the future. The annual Dubai Future Forum is a key part of that where the world's best thinkers come from around the world bringing ideas which seem like science fiction and turning them into reality. And the museum is no different. Its curators are constantly challenged to visualise a future which is beyond our imaginations. 'We have jokes when we speak about conventional museums, which are amazing, whether we talk about the Louvre in Abu Dhabi or many other museums, fantastic museums. But I always say, jokingly, with different museum owners, that the experiences in those museums appreciate with time, [and so] they don't have as big as the challenges we do,' he said. 'So whatever is worth X today in a conventional museum appreciates in time, because it gets older, so it becomes more valuable. In a futuristic museum, whatever is futuristic today can become obsolete in two or three weeks or months so we need to constantly become future relevant.' The iconic structure which has become one of the country's most photographed piece of architecture, 'it became like a box ticker in Dubai', with more than 4,000 visitors on a daily basis. 'A connection between our foresight and where the future is going,' he explained. Keeping the museum relevant is critical to its survival. 'We are looking at the next phase of the museum to make sure the content is always future relevant,' he said, as curators constantly balance the long-term future and near future aspects of the interactive exhibition. But as HE Belhoul weighs the future, he also acknowledges that the future can also evoke fears for many, with the infiltration of the likes of AI and robots into our lives. Visualising the UAE in 50 years' time, he told Khaleej Times automation is the way forward. 'You'll definitely see more robots. You'll definitely see more drones. You'll definitely see more autonomous mobility. Fifty years from now, that is for sure, you'll see a lot of automation happening,' he said. However, while many may be afraid, the input of human capital will be as relevant as ever. 'For me, the message is always that history has proven that humanity will always adapt and prevail. The only thing now is that this change is just much bigger and faster, and that's why people are maybe a bit concerned. 'And the notion of AI and robots maybe instills this fear in them … If you look at an aircraft and you speak to someone 100 years before the invention of an aircraft, and you tell them, listen, you'll be 30,000 feet above ground, they would think you're crazy. I still think it's crazy.' No matter what the future holds, the young futurist says that it will all be 'a natural adaptation process … and it's only the beginning'.
Mid East Info
07-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Emirates Global Aluminium joins Dubai Future Forum's network of sponsors - Middle East Business News and Information
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), one of the world's largest aluminium producers, has signed an agreement with the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) to become an official sponsor of the Dubai Future Forum, the world's largest gathering of futurists, held annually in Dubai. By joining the Forum's network of sponsors, EGA reinforces its commitment to future-readiness, knowledge exchange, and global collaboration in shaping the future of industry and advanced manufacturing. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, and Abdulnasser Ibrahim Saif Bin Kalban, CEO of EGA, in the presence of senior representatives from both organisations. Strengthening Future-Focused Industry Engagement: As a sponsor, EGA will play a key role in the Forum's discussions, contributing its expertise in industrial innovation, advanced manufacturing, and technological transformation. The company will participate in keynote sessions and panel discussions, where its executives will highlight EGA's strategic vision and leadership in industrial advancements. His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, said: 'Enhancing future readiness requires strong strategic partnerships and the exchange of expertise to accelerate research, development, and innovation. The Dubai Future Forum is a global platform that brings together key stakeholders to explore new possibilities and drive meaningful progress. Belhoul added: 'Our collaboration with Emirates Global Aluminium will support knowledge sharing and the adoption of advanced technologies, contributing to the growth of future industries and reinforcing Dubai's role as a hub for innovation.' Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: 'Our strategic partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation will drive collaboration and knowledge exchange to advance the future of the UAE's industrial sector through research, development, and innovation. At EGA, we have been developing our own proprietary aluminium smelting technologies in the UAE over 30 years to strengthen our global competitiveness.' Bin Kalban added: 'Four years ago, we set ourselves a bold goal to transform the aluminium industry by pioneering the adoption of Industry 4.0. Today, the World Economic Forum has recognised EGA as a Global Lighthouse for our leadership in the adoption of these technologies. Through this partnership, we look forward to accelerating digital transformation in the UAE's industrial sector and reinforcing the nation's position as a hub for developing future technologies.' As part of this sponsorship, Emirates Global Aluminium will receive priority access to marketing and communications opportunities linked to the Dubai Future Forum, ensuring prominent visibility as a key supporter of future-focused discussions. EGA will also gain access to exclusive Forum publications and specialised content, providing valuable insights into emerging trends and developments in future industries. Additionally, the sponsorship includes opportunities to benefit from programmes offered by the Dubai Future Academy, an initiative of DFF that fosters knowledge-sharing and leadership development.
Trade Arabia
05-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
EGA joins Dubai Future Forum's network of sponsors
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), one of the world's largest aluminium producers, has signed an agreement with the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) to become an official sponsor of the Dubai Future Forum, the world's largest gathering of futurists, held annually in Dubai. By joining the forum's network of sponsors, EGA reinforces its commitment to future-readiness, knowledge exchange, and global collaboration in shaping the future of industry and advanced manufacturing. The agreement was signed by Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, and Abdulnasser Ibrahim Saif Bin Kalban, CEO of EGA, in the presence of senior representatives from both organisations. Strengthening Future-Focused Industry Engagement As a sponsor, EGA will play a key role in the forum's discussions, contributing its expertise in industrial innovation, advanced manufacturing, and technological transformation. The company will participate in keynote sessions and panel discussions, where its executives will highlight EGA's strategic vision and leadership in industrial advancements. Belhoul said: "Enhancing future readiness requires strong strategic partnerships and the exchange of expertise to accelerate research, development, and innovation. The Dubai Future Forum is a global platform that brings together key stakeholders to explore new possibilities and drive meaningful progress." Belhoul added: 'Our collaboration with Emirates Global Aluminium will support knowledge sharing and the adoption of advanced technologies, contributing to the growth of future industries and reinforcing Dubai's role as a hub for innovation." Bin Kalban said: 'Our strategic partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation will drive collaboration and knowledge exchange to advance the future of the UAE's industrial sector through research, development, and innovation. At EGA, we have been developing our own proprietary aluminium smelting technologies in the UAE over 30 years to strengthen our global competitiveness.' Bin Kalban added: 'Four years ago, we set ourselves a bold goal to transform the aluminium industry by pioneering the adoption of Industry 4.0. Today, the World Economic Forum has recognised EGA as a Global Lighthouse for our leadership in the adoption of these technologies. Through this partnership, we look forward to accelerating digital transformation in the UAE's industrial sector and reinforcing the nation's position as a hub for developing future technologies.' - TradeArabia News Service
