Shaping Dubai’s Future: Expert Programme Empowering Government Leaders in 2025
Dubai has always been a city that dares to dream, a place where the future is not just anticipated but actively built. From its towering skyscrapers to its revolutionary advancements in technology, Dubai is a global hub for innovation and visionary leadership. Now, the emirate is taking yet another step toward securing its place at the forefront of future governance with the launch of the Dubai Future Experts Programme (DFEP) 2025.
This groundbreaking initiative, organized by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) in collaboration with The Executive Council of Dubai, is more than just a training program—it is a movement. It is designed to create a new generation of Emirati leaders equipped with the knowledge and foresight to shape Dubai’s policies for decades to come. Through rigorous training, hands-on experience, and direct engagement with future-focused projects, participants will emerge as certified foresight experts, ready to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
Dubai: A City Built on Vision and Innovation
Dubai is a city that defies expectations. What was once a small trading port has transformed into a global metropolis known for its ambitious projects and futuristic mindset. The city has become synonymous with progress, attracting the brightest minds from around the world to contribute to its growth.
At the heart of Dubai’s success is its leadership’s commitment to planning for the future. Under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the government has continuously invested in initiatives that prepare the city for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. The Dubai Future Experts Programme is a direct extension of this vision, ensuring that Dubai remains a leader in strategic policymaking and governance.
The Purpose Behind the Dubai Future Experts Programme
The world is changing at an unprecedented pace. Emerging technologies, economic shifts, and global challenges require governments to be proactive rather than reactive. The Dubai Future Experts Programme was established to address this need by training government and semi-government professionals in the art of strategic foresight.
Foresight is more than just predicting trends—it is about understanding complex systems, identifying potential risks, and developing policies that ensure sustainable growth. By
embedding this mindset within government entities, Dubai is taking a transformative approach to governance, ensuring that its institutions are prepared for any future scenario.
Empowering Government Leaders with Strategic Foresight
One of the key aspects of DFEP is its focus on developing leaders who can think ahead. Abdulaziz Al Jaziri, Deputy CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, emphasized this by stating, “The Dubai Future Experts Programme equips a select group of Emirati leaders with specialized foresight expertise, enabling them to anticipate change, develop proactive strategies, and shape the future of Dubai’s government. By embedding strategic foresight within government entities, we are driving a transformative shift in governance, ensuring Dubai remains a leader in future-ready policymaking on the global stage.”
This commitment to preparing Dubai’s government for the future is what sets DFEP apart. The program is not just about education; it is about action. Participants will engage in real-world applications of their learning, ensuring that the skills they acquire have a direct impact on Dubai’s policymaking.
A Structured Learning Journey Toward Future Readiness
The Dubai Future Experts Programme follows a structured two-level learning journey that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application.
The first level, Certified Foresight Practitioner, runs from May to June 2025. This phase provides intensive hands-on training, focusing on foresight methodologies, horizon scanning, and the development of future scenarios. Participants will learn to analyze trends, assess risks, and develop strategies that align with Dubai’s long-term vision.
The second level, Certified Foresight Ambassador, runs from September to October 2025. This phase is project-based, where participants identify a key future challenge or opportunity within their sector and develop a strategic foresight project. By the end of this stage, they will present comprehensive solutions with actionable recommendations and an implementation plan.
Through expert-led training sessions, case studies, scenario development exercises, and interactive discussions, participants will emerge with a deep understanding of how to apply foresight principles in real-world governance.
The Importance of Future-Ready Governance in Dubai
Dubai’s success story has always been defined by its ability to anticipate change and embrace innovation. The city has pioneered advancements in artificial intelligence, smart cities, and digital governance, all of which require leaders who can think strategically about the future.
In a world where economic uncertainties, climate change, and technological disruptions are constant realities, governments cannot afford to be unprepared. The Dubai Future Experts Programme ensures that Dubai’s leaders are equipped with the skills necessary to adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment. By fostering a culture of foresight and innovation, the city is securing its position as a global leader in future governance.
A Gateway to Global Networks and Opportunities
Beyond the knowledge and skills acquired, DFEP offers participants a unique opportunity to join a global foresight network. Graduates will have exclusive access to specialized DFF events, international collaborations, and advanced training programs that connect them with leading experts in the field of strategic foresight.
This exposure is invaluable, as it allows participants to engage with some of the world’s top thought leaders, exchange ideas, and bring cutting-edge insights back to Dubai. The knowledge gained through this program does not just benefit individuals; it strengthens the entire government ecosystem, ensuring that Dubai remains a city that shapes the future rather than simply reacting to it.
How to Apply for the Dubai Future Experts Programme
The 2025 edition of DFEP is now open for applications, and Emirati professionals working in government or semi-government entities are encouraged to apply. The deadline for registration is April 17, 2025, giving interested candidates ample time to submit their applications.
Applications can be completed online via the Dubai Future Foundation website at www.dubaifuture.ae/DFEP-2025. Additionally, Dubai government entities have the option to nominate employees by sending an email to deep@dubaifuture.ae.
Building a Future-Ready Dubai
The Dubai Future Experts Programme is not just an educational initiative; it is a strategic investment in the city’s future. By empowering government professionals with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to anticipate change and drive innovation, Dubai is ensuring its continued success on the global stage.
Dubai has never been a city that waits for the future—it creates it. Through DFEP, the next generation of leaders will be equipped to uphold this legacy, ensuring that Dubai remains a beacon of progress, vision, and innovation for generations to come.
For those who aspire to be part of this transformative journey, now is the time to step forward. The future is not something to be predicted—it is something to be shaped, and Dubai is leading the way.
