Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, has announced the invitation of 500 professionals from key future-focused sectors to participate in Dubai Future Week this November. The event, organised by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), will take place from November 18 to 21, 2026, across Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future.
The participants, grouped under the “500 Future Minds” initiative, represent five distinct sectors: education, frontline response, entrepreneurship, economy and finance, and urban planning and architecture. Each group comprises 100 professionals who are expected to engage in a one-day collaborative workshop designed to explore future scenarios specific to their fields, assess the impact of emerging technologies, and develop strategic priorities and commitments aligned with Dubai's long-term vision.
This initiative aligns with the broader objectives set by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasizing a human-centered approach to progress and development. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that shaping the future requires collective effort, positioning people at the core of Dubai’s strategic plans to convert innovation into policies, and translating ambition into outcomes that enhance quality of life.
“Dubai has always looked ahead, anticipating change and identifying the opportunities it creates,” Sheikh Hamdan said, noting the city’s emphasis on foresight and proactive planning. He described Dubai Future Week as a platform to gather expertise and ideas to remodel vital sectors, optimize resources, and create agile governance capable of responding to global transformations.
Throughout the workshops, the 500 Future Minds participants will analyze how advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and advanced computing might reshape their industries and societal roles. Their contributions are intended to support initiatives that improve wellbeing, expand opportunities, and foster resilient, future-ready communities in the emirate.
Dubai Future Week is expected to attract over 10,000 participants, reflecting a broad coalition of stakeholders dedicated to exploring and shaping technologies and policies for “the Human of the Future,” the event’s official theme. The workshops and subsequent commitments will feed into Dubai’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a global hub for innovation and sustainable development.