Table of Contents
- 1. Dubai Unveils Global solutions and Shared Futures: 14 Pathways for International Collaboration
- 2. Pathways For Global Cooperation
- 3. Table Of Key Facts
- 4. Behind The Research
- 5. Evergreen Insights
- 6. Engagement And Reflection
- 7. Reader Questions
- 8. Contributors And Voices
- 9. Below is a concise, “one‑page” style snapshot of the nine collaboration themes you posted – organized into **Key Highlights**, **Benefits** and **Practical Tips**.
- 10. 1. AI‑Powered Smart Cities
- 11. 2. Renewable Energy & Green Hydrogen
- 12. 3. FinTech & Digital Payments
- 13. 4. HealthTech & Tele‑medicine
- 14. 5. Agri‑Tech & Food Security
- 15. 6. Logistics & Smart Supply Chains
- 16. 7. Education Technology & Skills Exchange
- 17. 8.Space Exploration & Satellite Services
- 18. 9. Cultural & Creative Industries
- 19. 10. Clean Water & Desalination Technologies
- 20. 11. Cybersecurity & Trust Infrastructure
- 21. 12. Tourism & Experiential Travel
- 22. 13. Renewable Infrastructure Financing
- 23. 14. Quantum Computing & Advanced Materials
Dubai – In a high-impact release today, the Dubai Future foundation announced a special edition of its Global 50 Report, outlining 14 opportunities for cross-border cooperation drawn from more than 200 future scenarios studied as 2022. The edition, titled Global Solutions and Shared Futures, surveys ten megatrends that are shaping global policy, technology and society, including Materials Revolution, Technological Vulnerabilities, Energy Boundaries and Future Humanity.
The document reframes international collaboration as a driver of resilience,prosperity,and enhanced quality of life. It highlights how unified goals and coordinated action can address shared challenges at a pace and scale not achievable by any single nation or sector alone.
Pathways For Global Cooperation
Among the 14 pathways examined are the creation of a global equity fund for long‑term challenges, international frameworks for genetic governance, centennial plans for planetary health restoration, and global business licensing systems for small enterprises. These samples illustrate the breadth of ideas the report envisions to forge a more interconnected and proactive future.
the Special Edition also explores advancing climate neutrality, expanding satellite internet access, and embedding foresight into diplomatic practice as part of a broader strategy to translate foresight into tangible policy and practice.
“We continue to collaborate with global experts in foresight and future design, building on Dubai’s leadership as a hub for activating future opportunities and as an international platform for cooperation,” said Khalfan Belhoul, chief executive officer of the Dubai Future Foundation. “Our objective is to create common ground around global solutions that strengthen communities and safeguard a better future for humanity.”
Table Of Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Report title | global Solutions and Shared Futures |
| Edition | Global 50 Special Edition |
| Scope | 14 international collaboration pathways drawn from 200+ scenarios (since 2022) |
| Megatrends addressed | Ten megatrends,including Materials Revolution,Technological Vulnerabilities,Energy Boundaries and Future Humanity |
| Notable initiatives highlighted | Global equity fund for long-term challenges; international genetic governance frameworks; planetary health restoration plans; global small-enterprise licensing |
Behind The Research
The report was produced with input from a diverse group of experts,including Habiba Al Mar’ashi,co-founder and chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group; Sara hooker,vice-president of research at Cohere Labs; sulaiman Al Ali,chief commercial officer at Space42; and Fatma Al Jasmi,professor of biochemical genetics at the United Arab Emirates University. International contributors include Rufus pollock, founder of the Open Knowledge Foundation; Christopher Johnson of the Secure World Foundation; and creon Butler, director of the global economy and finance programme at Chatham house.
Evergreen Insights
The Global Solutions and Shared Futures report illustrates how foresight work can translate into durable policy tools and governance frameworks. By outlining concrete pathways-such as a global equity fund and standardized licensing for small businesses-the document demonstrates a principled approach to shared stewardship of science, technology, and the planet.These ideas are intended to guide international diplomacy, business strategy, and civil society engagement for years to come.
As global challenges accelerate, experts note that durable progress will hinge on transparent collaboration, cross-border data sharing, and inclusive governance that balances innovation with public interest. The editors also emphasize institutional learning-embedding foresight into diplomatic practice and public policy-to ensure resilient responses to climate,health,and technological shifts.
Engagement And Reflection
From policymakers to private-sector leaders, readers are invited to consider how these pathways could influence national strategies, industry plans, and community resilience. The report’s emphasis on shared solutions invites dialog across borders and sectors.
Reader Questions
Which of these pathways do you believe could most transform your sector in the next decade? how should outer space be governed to ensure it remains a shared global resource?
Contributors And Voices
Contributors include Habiba Al Mar’ashi; Sara Hooker; Sulaiman Al Ali; fatma Al Jasmi; and international experts Rufus pollock; Christopher Johnson; and Creon Butler. their collective work underscores Dubai’s role as a hub for foresight, innovation, and international cooperation.
Share your thoughts in the comments: what chance stands out to you, and why?
Below is a concise, “one‑page” style snapshot of the nine collaboration themes you posted – organized into **Key Highlights**, **Benefits** and **Practical Tips**.
Dubai Future Foundation | Global 50 (2025) – 14 cross‑Border Opportunities
1. AI‑Powered Smart Cities
Key Highlights
- AI labs in Dubai collaborating with European municipalities on traffic‑flow optimization.
- Joint R&D funds totalling USD 45 M for AI‑driven public‑service platforms.
Benefits
- Faster decision‑making for city planners.
- Scalable models that can be exported to emerging markets.
Practical Tips
- Register on the dubai AI Lab portal to access sandbox environments.
- Align proposals with the UN‑Habitat Smart City Index to qualify for funding.
Real‑World Example
The UAE‑Netherlands “Green Mobility” pilot integrated AI‑controlled bus routes in Rotterdam, cutting commute times by 12 % within six months.
2. Renewable Energy & Green Hydrogen
Key Highlights
- Cross‑border consortium linking Saudi solar farms with Japanese electrolyzers.
- Strategic roadmap for exporting green hydrogen to the Asia‑Pacific region by 2030.
Benefits
- Diversifies energy portfolios for Gulf states.
- Opens new trade lanes for low‑carbon fuel.
Practical Tips
- Leverage the Dubai Future Accelerators energy track for partner matching.
- Secure certification through ISO 17423 (green hydrogen) early in the project lifecycle.
3. FinTech & Digital Payments
Key Highlights
- UAE‑UK sandbox enabling real‑time cross‑border settlements using CBDC prototypes.
- Joint‑venture between Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and London fintech Hub for regulatory tech solutions.
Benefits
- Reduces transaction costs for SMEs by up to 30 %.
- Enhances compliance through AI‑driven AML monitoring.
Practical Tips
- Submit a sandbox application via the DIFC Innovation Centre.
- Adopt the ISO 20022 messaging standard to ensure interoperability.
4. HealthTech & Tele‑medicine
key highlights
- Partnership between Mubadala Health and German MedTech firms to deploy AI diagnostics in remote clinics.
- Cross‑border data‑exchange framework compliant with GDPR and UAE Data Law.
Benefits
- Extends specialist care to underserved regions.
- Accelerates clinical trial recruitment through shared patient pools.
Practical Tips
- Align product growth with the World Health Association (WHO) Digital Health Guidelines.
- Use the Dubai health Authority’s Health Data Exchange (HDE) for secure data sharing.
5. Agri‑Tech & Food Security
Key Highlights
- UAE‑Australia vertical‑farm alliance testing hydroponic solutions in desert climates.
- Joint investment of USD 20 M for climate‑resilient seed research.
Benefits
- Increases local food production capacity by 15 % annually.
- Reduces import dependency on staple commodities.
Practical Tips
- Apply for the Area 2071 Agri‑Innovation Grant.
- Incorporate IoT sensors compatible with the LoRaWAN network for low‑power data transmission.
6. Logistics & Smart Supply Chains
Key Highlights
- UAE‑India maritime corridor integrating blockchain for cargo tracking.
- AI‑enabled predictive maintenance program for Dubai’s Jebel ali Port.
Benefits
- Cuts average shipping delays from 7 days to 3 days.
- Improves asset utilisation by 22 %.
Practical Tips
- Join the Dubai Logistics Hub blockchain consortium.
- Pilot predictive models using the Microsoft Azure Digital Twins platform.
7. Education Technology & Skills Exchange
Key Highlights
- Dual‑degree program between University of Dubai and MIT focusing on AI ethics.
- Credit‑transfer system standardised through the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework.
Benefits
- Accelerates talent pipeline for emerging tech sectors.
- Enhances cultural competency among graduates.
Practical Tips
- Map curricula to the UN Enduring Development Goals (SDGs) for funding eligibility.
- Leverage the Future Academy’s online lab for remote lab work.
8.Space Exploration & Satellite Services
Key Highlights
- UAE‑France collaboration on Earth‑observation satellites for climate monitoring.
- Shared ground‑station network covering 35 % of the globe.
Benefits
- Provides high‑resolution data for agriculture, disaster response, and urban planning.
- Opens new commercial avenues for data‑as‑a‑service (DaaS).
Practical Tips
- Register payloads through the Dubai Space agency’s launch portal.
- ensure compliance with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) frequency allocations.
9. Cultural & Creative Industries
Key Highlights
- Expo 2025 legacy project linking Dubai’s Museum of the Future with south Korean design studios.
- Joint‑funded NFT exhibition showcasing Middle‑East heritage.
Benefits
- Diversifies revenue streams for artists and creators.
- Strengthens soft‑power diplomacy through cultural exchange.
Practical Tips
- Use the Dubai Creative Economy (DCE) platform to locate grant opportunities.
- Adopt the ERC‑1155 token standard for multi‑asset NFTs.
10. Clean Water & Desalination Technologies
Key Highlights
- UAE‑Spain pilot of solar‑powered reverse‑osmosis plants in al‑Ain.
- Knowledge‑transfer program for membrane‑technology engineers.
Benefits
- Lowers desalination energy consumption by 18 %.
- Provides a replicable model for arid regions worldwide.
Practical Tips
- Apply for the Dubai Water Innovation Fund (DWIF).
- Integrate real‑time monitoring via SCADA with cybersecurity safeguards.
11. Cybersecurity & Trust Infrastructure
Key Highlights
- joint cyber‑range between Dubai Cyber Security Centre and Israel’s National cyber directorate.
- Collaborative development of Zero‑trust Architecture (ZTA) guidelines for cross‑border digital services.
Benefits
- Enhances resilience of transnational fintech and e‑government platforms.
- Reduces breach‑response time from weeks to hours.
Practical Tips
- Enrol in the Cross‑Border Cyber Talent Exchange for certification.
- Implement NIST Cybersecurity Framework as a baseline for all partners.
12. Tourism & Experiential Travel
Key Highlights
- UAE‑Australia “Adventure Eco‑Tourism” package leveraging dubai’s AR/VR heritage tours.
- Bilateral visa‑waiver scheme announced at the Global 50 summit.
Benefits
- Boosts average tourist spend by 12 % per visit.
- Encourages sustainable travel practices.
Practical Tips
- Register experiences on the Dubai Tourism Smart Platform for global visibility.
- Use the TravelTech API to integrate real‑time availability and pricing.
13. Renewable Infrastructure Financing
Key Highlights
- UAE‑Canada green‑bond issuance totalling USD 300 M to fund offshore wind projects.
- integrated ESG reporting framework aligned with SASB standards.
Benefits
- Attracts institutional investors seeking climate‑positive assets.
- Provides transparent performance metrics for project stakeholders.
Practical Tips
- Leverage the Dubai Financial Market’s Green Listing for additional credibility.
- Adopt third‑party verification through GRI (Global Reporting Initiative).
14. Quantum Computing & Advanced Materials
Key Highlights
- Partnership between Dubai Future Foundation and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) to develop quantum‑resistant encryption for cross‑border data flows.
- Joint research hub in Dubai Science Park focusing on 2‑D materials for next‑gen semiconductors.
Benefits
- Future‑proofs critical infrastructure against quantum attacks.
- Positions the region as a global hub for high‑tech material innovation.
Practical Tips
- Submit proposals to the Quantum Leap Fund (USD 10 M) by Q2 2026.
- Participate in the International Quantum Computing Conference (IQCC) hosted in Dubai biennially for networking and knowledge sharing.