UAE Food Bank distributes two million meals during Ramadan's first 10 days
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
5 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Future-ready UAE shows the world how foresight builds long-term resilience
5 Aug 2025 00:03 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI) For the UAE, foresight is not only a strategic imperative but a national compass guiding institutions and communities through rapid developments and boosting long-term resilience, a leading futurist has told Aletihad . Dr. Sulaiman Al Kaabi, CEO of the Future Foresight Foundation, said foresight was no longer some obscure academic practice but had been built into governance and policymaking.'Today, the element of foresight is clearly present in every government plan or initiative,' he said.'The leadership recognises that remaining at the forefront of innovative nations requires a long-term vision and constant preparedness for unexpected changes. Foresight is not a luxury; it is part of the national identity.'An expert in strategic foresight and futures studies, Dr. Al Kaabi is the first person from the UAE and the Gulf region to join the Association of Professional Futurists (APF). He is also a member of the World Future Society (WFS). He authored the Future Foresight Encyclopaedia in Arabic, the first of its kind in the Arab represents a way of thinking — a formative value and an element of national identity, he said.'It begins from the outside in; it examines global changes and builds scenarios around them. Traditional planning [on the other hand] starts from the inside out, building on current capabilities,' Dr. Al Kaabi said. 'Foresight is the compass, and planning is the roadmap,' he said, stressing its importance in a fast-changing world of 'technological, social, and economic revolutions.'Foresight 'places the UAE in a position of initiative, not reaction'. It is evident in how the country is preparing for challenges such as AI's impact on the workforce, climate change, cybersecurity, and resource sustainability, Dr. Al Kaabi said. Foresight allows the UAE to act fast in times of crisis, with plans ready before problems arise, he said. He pointed to the UAE's swift COVID-19 response as proof of how foresight works; just as it underpins long-term goals like We the UAE 2031 and UAE Centennial 2071.'Foresight provides the country with the tools necessary to review its path and update its goals based on global developments,' Dr. Al Kaabi said. Leveraging New TechAI and big data have revolutionised how strategies are future-proofed, he added. Advanced technology now bolsters entities' ability to create 'accurate scenarios, faster decisions, and plans that can be adjusted instantly.' Future Foresight Foundation has been helping institutions build future-ready plans and stay ahead of emerging trends.'It is the first private foundation in the UAE and the Arabian Gulf to place scientific foresight at the core of its work,' Dr. Al Kaabi said. 'It specialises in conducting futures studies and developing practical, implementable scenarios.' The foundation collaborates with the public and private sectors and philanthropic organisations across the world through consultations, training courses, and strategic programmes to help them prepare for potential disruptions and capitalise on new opportunities. 'We are committed to applying globally recognised scientific methodologies and utilising the latest analytical and artificial intelligence tools to create accurate visions of the future,' Dr. Al Kaabi said. The foundation, for an instance, uses an Arab-developed foresight model based on global best practices. It uses big data and expert insights to build detailed, sector-specific scenarios. Foresight, he added, now drives progress in education, healthcare, energy, security, and the economy. Empowering the Youth Central to building future-ready strategies is empowering the youth, and the UAE has been on the right track when it comes to highlighting the importance of looking ahead. 'Young people are the fuel and engine of any real change… We must empower them to become the makers of the future,' Dr. Al Kaabi the country, foresight is being embedded in education, he added. 'We need foresight to be a fundamental component of the educational process, not just an additional subject or a side activity. With the UAE's clear vision and a future-focused mindset, the country has become 'an international reference in future thinking.' Dr. Al Kaabi said.
Hi Dubai
16 hours ago
- Hi Dubai
Dubai's Museum of the Future Welcomes Over 4 Million Visitors Ahead of Fourth Anniversary
Dubai's Museum of the Future has welcomed more than 4 million visitors since its opening in February 2022, marking a significant milestone ahead of its fourth anniversary. The landmark has rapidly become a global hub for innovation, knowledge exchange, and future-focused dialogue, attracting visitors from over 180 nationalities and hosting 423 events covering AI, sustainability, education, health, and more. The museum continues to play a central role in shaping the future through thought leadership, immersive exhibitions, global conferences like the Dubai Future Forum and Dubai AI Week, and initiatives such as the 'Lessons from the Past' lecture series and the 'Future Heroes' youth camp. High-profile visitors over the past year included heads of state and dignitaries from Lebanon, Vietnam, Belgium, El Salvador, and more. More than 600 international media delegations have also visited the museum, further cementing its reputation as a platform for global conversations around innovation and progress. Chairman Mohammad Al Gergawi emphasized the museum's role in reviving the Arab region's historical contributions to human advancement and in reinforcing Dubai's position as a capital for future design and development. From cultural exchange to cutting-edge technology discussions, the Museum of the Future stands as a beacon for inclusive innovation, ethical foresight, and transformative thinking. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Arabian Business
19 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai attracts 9.88 million international tourists in H1 2025, up 6% YoY
Dubai is at the heart of a remarkable tourism surge: between January and June 2025, the emirate welcomed 9.88 million international overnight visitors, a 6 per cent increase from the same period in 2024, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This milestone reflects a destination reimagined through public-private collaboration, creative global campaigns, and strategic growth in infrastructure and experiences. At the centre of the story is a unified vision shared by public institutions and private enterprises, orchestrated with precision by DET and its marketing arm – Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM). Dubai welcomes 9.88 million international overnight visitors in the first half of 2025 – a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 3, 2025 Global appeal drives Dubai's tourism boom With over 3,000 global and domestic partners contributing to its ambitious outreach efforts, the city has seen growth across all major source regions. Western Europe was the largest source market to the emirate, with 2.12 million visitors (22 per cent), followed by CIS and Eastern Europe (15 per cent), South Asia (15 per cent), North East and South East Asia (9 per cent), the Americas (7 per cent), Africa (4 per cent) and Australasia (2 per cent). The GCC and MENA markets accounted for 26 per cent of all arrivals, with 1.51 million visitors (15 per cent) from the GCC and 1.12 million (11 per cent) from the MENA regions, underscoring the strength of the city's regional appeal. 'Dubai continues to set new records in international visitation, reinforcing the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai to make the city a major global business and tourism destination,' said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. 'This milestone reflects Dubai's steady growth as a focal point for trade, investment, talent and opportunity and its rise as the world's most connected city. Dubai's ability to create compelling experiences that meet the evolving needs of visitors has strengthened its status as one of the world's most sought-after destinations. From exceptional infrastructure to unique attractions, Dubai offers a model of excellence in the tourism and hospitality sectors grounded in innovation.' 'As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, tourism will remain key to driving GDP growth and cross-sector value creation in the emirate's economy. By continually anticipating the needs of travellers and exceeding their expectations, we are strengthening Dubai's position as the world's best city to visit, live, and work in'. His optimism is echoed by Helal Saeed Almarri, Director‑General of DET: 'Dubai's strong tourism performance in the first half of 2025 reflects the enduring strength and adaptability of our economic model, even amid persistent global headwinds. Inflationary pressures, shifting traveller behaviours, and wider macroeconomic uncertainty continue to challenge destinations worldwide. Yet Dubai remains on an upward trajectory, an outcome shaped by the long-term vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the precision of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.' Almarri noted that even under global economic pressures—from inflation to changing travel habits – the emirate's diversified strategy, focused on luxury, wellness, experiential travel, and sustainability, is powering continued growth. On the marketing front, a series of high-profile campaigns rolled out in H1 2025 demanding attention. 'Find Your Story' featured Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi, 'Dubai. That's How You Summer' brought stories of sun-soaked discovery, and 'Dubai, Ready for a Surprise?' showcased Bollywood icons Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. These efforts, managed by DCTCM, played a key role in elevating the city's image as a year‑round destination for diverse audiences. Expansion in the hospitality sector also reinforced the city's capacity to meet demand at all price points. By the end of June, the city had 152,483 available hotel rooms across 822 establishments. Hotel average occupancy reached 80.6 per cent, up from 78.7 per cent in the first half of 2024. Average daily rate (ADR) grew 5 per cent to AED 584, and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) rose 7 per cent to AED 471. Occupied room nights rose 4 per cent to 22.24 million, while the average stay hovered at 3.71 nights. Among notable openings in the first six months were Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Umm Suqeim, Cheval Maison in Expo City, The Biltmore Hotel Villas in Al Barsha, and Vida Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai. Several high-profile properties are also in the pipeline, including Mandarin Oriental Downtown, ZUHHA Island on The World Islands, and, upon completion, Ciel Dubai Marina (Vignette Collection), which promises to be the world's tallest all-hotel tower. Issam Kazim, CEO of DCTCM, emphasised the role of authenticity and community in tourism success. 'Guided by visionary leadership and the strategic goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, Dubai's tourism performance reflects the strength of public-private partnerships and the power of community, which have been instrumental in showcasing Dubai's destination offering to the world'. 'Our residents, businesses and visitors have played a supporting role in our tourism success, with their authentic voices and genuine advocacy promoting the city and its unique experiences. Dubai has become even more accessible, with a robust infrastructure and a business-friendly environment that fosters collaboration, while a year-round calendar of leisure, trade and MICE events have further diversified the city's visitor base and generated significant economic impact. In collaboration with our key stakeholders, we remain committed to enhancing quality of life for visitors and residents through infrastructure development and sustained investment in capacity to attract new international audiences,' said Kazim.
