UAE Demonstrates Leadership in AI and Technology at Dubai Future Forum 2025

The UAE reinforces its position as a leader in artificial intelligence and future technologies, highlighting a commitment to converting global challenges into opportunities. Omar Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, underscored this dedication during the Dubai Future Forum 2025.

Now in its fourth iteration and held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the forum gathers more than 2,500 specialists from over 100 countries, representing the largest global assembly of futurists and experts.

Al Olama stated that progress thrives in environments that embrace the future optimistically, a core principle of the UAE’s vision. The nation is moving away from conventional queries, instead opting for an innovative attitude embodied in the question, "Why not?" This mindset reflects the UAE’s entrepreneurial spirit, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to bolster its global standing.

In a session with Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard, discussions centered on Dubai’s pioneering achievement of processing the world’s first payment transaction via an agentic AI system outside the U.S. This innovative solution, developed with Majid Al Futtaim, allows AI to manage the complete shopping experience, from product recommendations to finalizing purchases based on user preferences.

Miebach highlighted the UAE’s briskly evolving ecosystem, enabling brands like Mastercard to swiftly embrace new solutions amid swift global changes. He emphasized the significance of lifelong education and the development of skills necessary for the effective use of AI within reliable frameworks. Moreover, the UAE's regulatory landscape fosters innovation while ensuring technology is adopted safely.

The Dubai Future Forum 2025 features over 200 speakers engaging in more than 70 sessions across five central themes: Deep Dive into the Future, Exploring the Unknown, The Future of Societies, The Future of Health, and The Future of Systems. The event runs until November 19th, showcasing the latest advancements in AI and digital technology.

The conversations during the forum echo the UAE's ambition to be a global center for digital innovation. By advocating for proactive strategies, advancing the use of sophisticated technologies, and creating a landscape for experimentation, the UAE is setting a benchmark for nations aiming to define the future.