Post by : Mumtaaz
Qadiri
Photo: Dubai Government Media Office
Dubai Future Academy, part of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), has announced that applications are now open for the second edition of a unique training program called ‘FEEL: A Disruptive Futures Program.’ This program is specially designed to help people from different parts of the world—including business leaders, entrepreneurs, government officials, investors, and experts—learn how to deal with rapid changes in the world and become ready for the future.
What is the FEEL Program?
The FEEL program is a four-week educational and training experience that will begin on October 20, 2025. It is focused on teaching participants how to understand, predict, and benefit from big changes happening around the world, especially those caused by new technologies and innovation.
The program includes
The goal is to train a new generation of leaders who can keep up with changes and make smart decisions about the future.
Why is this program important?
The world is changing faster than ever. Technology is transforming the way we live, work, and interact. Artificial intelligence, robotics, driverless cars, new kinds of food, and health technologies—all these are shaping the future.
Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO and Chief Operations Officer at Dubai Future Foundation, explained that the FEEL program is about helping people stay ahead of these changes. He said the program gives participants the skills to spot early signs of change, understand their impact, and turn new opportunities into reality.
According to AlJaziri, the second edition of the program will also focus on how to identify investment opportunities and use them to support sustainable development, create jobs, and help society grow in a smart and balanced way.
He also mentioned that the goals of the FEEL program match Dubai’s vision for the future—a vision where leaders and professionals are equipped with foresight tools to guide society and business through uncertain times.
What Happened in the First Edition?
The first edition of FEEL, held in 2024, was a big success. It attracted almost 1,500 applications from around 100 countries. From those, 42 participants were selected, representing 15 different nations.
Those who were selected took part in
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33 workshops
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Hands-on experiences
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Meaningful discussions
They got a chance to learn about real-world problems, explore new technologies, and understand how to apply what they learned to improve their own communities and industries.
What’s New in the Second Edition?
The second edition of the FEEL program promises to be even more exciting. It offers:
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More expert sessions
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Deeper field experiences
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Exclusive visits to innovation centers
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Opportunities to work on real-world projects
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Better access to global decision-makers and professionals
Participants will not just learn in a classroom. They will go out into the real world and experience innovation firsthand. They will see how Dubai is building the future today—through its advanced labs, solar parks, autonomous vehicles, and more.
Who Will Teach in the Program?
The FEEL program has brought together a powerful group of global experts from top universities and organizations around the world. These are people who are leading the way in robotics, health, AI, and innovation. Some of the experts include
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Professor Oussama Khatib from Stanford University, winner of the Great Arab Minds Award for Technology
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Professor Sohail Inayatullah, a leading thinker in futures studies from Taiwan
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Alyaa Al Mulla, Founder of the Longevity Think Tank
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Dr. Steven Novella, Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at Yale School of Medicine
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Dr. Brad Stanfield, preventive medicine expert from the University of Auckland
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David Bucca, CEO of Change Foods, working on future foods
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Guillaume Verdon, CEO of Extropic and AI chip developer
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Professor Paul Newman, Founder of the Oxford Robotics Institute
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Dr. Mohammed Qassem and Dr. Heba Shehadeh, from Dubai Future Foundation
These experts will share their knowledge, ideas, and real-world experiences directly with the participants. This kind of direct access is rare and incredibly valuable for anyone hoping to understand where the world is heading.
What Will Participants Visit?
A major part of the FEEL program is about seeing innovation in action. Participants will go on exclusive visits to some of the UAE’s top innovation centers. These include:
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Technology Innovation Institute—a hub for advanced research
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Micropolis—a company making autonomous vehicles
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Sustainability and Innovation Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park—a leading example of clean energy
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Dubai Future Labs—where AI, robotics, and smart systems are tested and developed
By visiting these places, participants won’t just hear about the future—they’ll see it happening, understand how it works, and learn how they can be part of it.
Who Should Apply?
The program is open to
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Executives and senior managers
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Startup founders and entrepreneurs
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Government officials and policymakers
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Investors and innovation specialists
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Researchers and thought leaders
The main requirement is that applicants should be passionate about the future, eager to learn, and ready to take what they learn back to their own countries and industries to make a real impact.
What Does Dubai Aim to Achieve?
Through the FEEL program, Dubai wants to:
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Build future-ready talent both locally and globally.
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Strengthen its position as a global innovation hub.
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Empower professionals with the ability to predict trends, plan ahead, and lead change.
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Promote sustainable growth and smart development.
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Encourage the sharing of ideas across cultures and industries.
Dubai Future Academy, through this initiative, is contributing to a global movement—one where leaders are not just reacting to change but are shaping the future themselves.
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