Dubai, a city that rose from the desert sands, has become a global symbol of modernity and luxury. With over 3.5 million residents, it boasts a distinctive skyline that includes towering skyscrapers, expansive shopping malls, and captivating tourist attractions. Every year, more than 16 million visitors flock to Dubai, drawn to its reputation for unparalleled luxury.
Dubai’s success didn’t come solely from oil revenues. In the 1990s, the city demonstrated its ingenuity by positioning itself as a prominent regional financial hub. However, its ambitions extended far beyond finance, encompassing the development of a global center for technology, healthcare, and tourism. To realize this vision, the Dubai Future Foundation established the Museum of the Future.
This building stands as a symbol of the UAE’s unwavering commitment to reaching the future and showcasing tomorrow’s possibilities. The museum offers a glimpse into what Dubai might look like in 2070. Skyscrapers will surpass the height of the Burj Khalifa, while floating mosques will adapt to changing weather conditions. Electric cars will even take to the skies.
This architectural marvel cost over $100 million to construct. Standing at an impressive 770 meters tall, it spans an expansive 30,000 square meters without the use of vertical columns. Its Taurus shape embodies humanity’s boundless potential, while its exterior is adorned with Arabic calligraphy, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The museum’s walls are graced with calligraphy featuring quotes from Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid al- Makum. Inside, cutting-edge technology and immersive displays explore futuristic themes. The holographic DNA Hall houses the DNA Library, preserving over 2,400 DNA genetic codes. This digital Noah’s Ark serves as a repository for approximately 8,000 DNA samples from various organisms. Scanning a jar with the biosun device reveals fascinating insights, such as the unfortunate demise of the Colombian monkey species, which once inhabited the tropical forests of Colombia and tragically perished in 2031. Dubai’s visionary future is embodied in the Museum of the Future, spearheaded by CEO Halan Beul and the Dubai Future Foundation, a hub that nurtures groundbreaking ideas in technology, healthcare, and sustainability. Established in 2015 during the World Government Summit, the Dubai Future Foundation holds a special connection to the summit. During the summit, the Museum of the Future was conceived, embodying Dubai’s vision and sparking conversations about robotics, blockchain, and the future of food and climate. A visit from His Highness Muhammad B. Rashid, the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the Vice President of the UAE, along with other esteemed country leaders, provided a transformative experience. Rashid emphasized the importance of institutionalizing future thinking and foresight, which led to the birth of the Dubai Future Foundation. This foundation has since flourished and become a fruitful entity.
The Museum of the Future offers a more dynamic and engaging experience, moving beyond the traditional museum concept. However, conventional museums present a static view of the past, with content confined to the walls and artifact value increasing over time. This approach may not be sustainable in the future. To revolutionize museums, we must adopt a dynamic and interactive approach that engages visitors in exploring the past and envisioning the future. This approach transcends time and invites exploration of future possibilities. Constant futurism is essential to maintaining relevance, as futuristic trends can quickly become obsolete. Hosting significant future-related events and conversations is also crucial. While immersive experiences for tourists have proven successful, main goal is to transform the Museum of the Future into a constant think tank that shapes the future. Dubai Future Forum, flagship futuristic event, is held annually in November. They organize various other events, such as Dubai Climate Week and Dubai Future of Aviation Week, to position Dubai as the global hub for addressing global challenges. By combining showcasing future visions with active discussions, we align with our mission to create a better world by understanding the future. We connect with experts, futurists, and engage in global conversations.
The digital economy has revolutionized the business landscape, enabling businesses to transcend geographical boundaries and operate globally. This shift has led to a convergence of conversations and business practices across the world. While analyzing the local market remains crucial for successful business ventures, the current landscape has changed dramatically. Entrepreneurs now have the opportunity to set up and own apps, potentially reaching a global customer base due to the power of the digital economy.
To address global challenges effectively, unity is paramount. We cannot address AI alone or develop policies and procedures in isolation. These technologies require collaboration and cooperation from the entire world. The same principle applies to the metaverse, blockchain, and autonomous mobility strategies. Therefore, we need the global community to engage and listen to our ideas.
