FORUM x DUBAI
For the first time, the Dubai Future Forum extended its presence beyond the iconic Museum of the Future, expanding its reach across the city with a curated series of exclusive events held before and after the main Forum dates. From November 18 to 21, these satellite events unfolded at a range of unique and culturally significant venues across Dubai, bringing together futurists, thought leaders, and innovators in more focused, intimate settings. This distributed format enabled deeper collaboration, cross-sector dialogue, and unfiltered idea exchange beyond the main stage.
Importantly, these gatherings also opened the door for greater public engagement, inviting local residents, creatives, students, and community leaders to connect directly with the global foresight community. By embedding the future-focused conversation into the fabric of the city itself, the Dubai Future Forum fostered a more inclusive, participatory dialogue – one that reflects Dubai’s ambition to serve not only as a host of ideas, but as an active collaborator in shaping tomorrow’s world.
Importantly, these gatherings also opened the door for greater public engagement, inviting local residents, creatives, students, and community leaders to connect directly with the global foresight community. By embedding the future-focused conversation into the fabric of the city itself, the Dubai Future Forum fostered a more inclusive, participatory dialogue – one that reflects Dubai’s ambition to serve not only as a host of ideas, but as an active collaborator in shaping tomorrow’s world.
The Hopeful Dinner: A Listening Experience
At a time when hope feels scarce, this intimate dinner held on the eve of the Dubai Future Forum at the Jameel Arts Center, brought people together to reflect on why it still matters. Co-curated by the House of Beautiful Business, the event explored where hope comes from, how it has shaped us, and how it can guide us toward a better future. Attendees included regenerative architects, systems design thinkers, and trendsetters, who were invited to engage with diverse expressions of hope and explore how these ideas could be shared and amplified within their own communities.
The Future of Diplomacy
A series of roundtable talks that brought together diplomats, policymakers, and thinkers from around the world. The goal was to explore how diplomacy is changing in today’s fast-moving world. From new global challenges to the role of technology and climate, the discussions were honest, thoughtful, and full of fresh ideas. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us at the Fiker Institute and helped make these conversations meaningful.
Futurescape: Cinema Beyond
The futures-focused film selection included Eternal You (Documentary), Robot Dreams (Animation), and Costa Brava, Lebanon (Feature Fiction). Together, these films transported audiences through imagined futures, emerging technologies, and the profound questions we face as a society. Each screening sparked meaningful dialogue about what is possible – and what kind of future we want to create. Screenings were held at Cinema Akil in Alserkal Avenue and at the 25hours Hotel, bringing cinematic futures thinking into vibrant cultural spaces.
Nomadic Futures: Reimagining Cultural Narratives
Hosted by Quantum Culture™ Theorist Samar Younes at The Courtyard, this unique experience brought people together to explore identity, heritage, and the future. Through AI-generated portraits, a beautifully crafted camel cover, and the interactive ‘Breaking Bread’ workshop, participants imagined new ways of sharing culture drawing inspiration from the historic Silk Road. The event blended creativity, technology, and tradition, showing how stories from the past and ideas from the Global South can shape more connected and inclusive futures.
More Than Words: What is the Future of Storytelling?
Storytelling has always been part of what makes us human. This event explored how stories shape our world—and how new technologies are changing the way we share them. From spoken word to digital media, we looked at how we can use storytelling to create positive change and connect with others in deeper ways.
Taste of Tomorrow
This dinner explored how our food traditions are changing in response to climate change. Guests enjoyed a thoughtful menu that reimagined traditional recipes using ingredients adapted for future climates. It was more than just a meal, it was a chance to reflect on how we can build stronger, more resilient food systems while honoring our culinary roots.
ALAF (Latin Futures Association) Official Debut
This event highlighted how Latin America approaches the future. By bringing together traditional foresight tools with ancestral knowledge, the event offered a unique perspective on shaping a better, more balanced tomorrow. It showed how local wisdom and community values can guide us in planning for the future in thoughtful and inclusive ways.
Ancient Wisdom, Future Vision: Crafting Tomorrow Through Ancestral Stories
By combining modern foresight tools with deep ancestral knowledge, we explored new ways to care for our communities and the planet. It was a powerful reminder that the wisdom of the past can help guide us toward a better future.
Shifting Terrains: Exploring Climate-induced Migration Through Food
This hands-on workshop invited foresight practitioners to explore the difficult topic of climate migration in a unique way—through food. Using the Transform methodology, participants prepared and shared meals while reflecting on themes of adaptation, resilience, and displacement caused by climate change. It was a powerful and personal experience that connected big global issues to everyday actions.