The recent Dubai-it initiative, organized by the Global Shapers Dubai Hub, showcased the city’s commitment to innovation and future-ready strategies. This event, held from October 13 to 15, 2026, gathered members of the Global Shapers Community at the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026. The initiative allowed participants to delve into how Dubai transforms ambitious ideas into tangible outcomes, fostering an environment ripe for opportunity and advancement.

Exploring Dubai’s Forward-Thinking Approach

The Dubai-it program provided a unique opportunity for global leaders to understand how the city proactively shapes change. Participants learned about various frameworks that enable Dubai to translate visionary concepts into impactful projects. By fostering integrated ecosystems for innovation, the city maintains its relevance in an ever-evolving global landscape. The initiative emphasizes the need for cities to adapt and thrive amid rapid transformations, allowing participants to gain valuable insights into successful implementations.

Engaging Activities for a Deeper Understanding

The program incorporated a variety of engaging activities, including workshops, cultural experiences, and backstage tours. Attendees had the chance to explore the ideas and communities driving Dubai’s remarkable transformation into one of the world’s leading connected cities. The initiative encouraged participants to look beyond Dubai’s physical constructions and understand the intricate processes that contribute to the city’s growth and connectivity.

Alyazyah Almarzooqi, the Curator of the Global Shapers Dubai Hub, highlighted the importance of this experiential learning. She noted, “With Dubai-it, we want Global Shapers to see how it gets built, how a city anticipates change, brings people together, and turns ambition into action.” The goal is for participants to leave with actionable insights that can be implemented within their own communities.

A Comprehensive Framework for Future Leaders

The initiative was structured around five pivotal themes: anticipating the future, building communities, transforming ambition into achievement, scaling ideas both locally and globally, and continuously reinventing cities to adapt to future changes. This framework is designed to equip emerging leaders with the tools they need to navigate future challenges effectively.

One of the highlights included a visit to Camelicious, where participants witnessed how modern technology is used to create sustainable products that pay homage to Emirati heritage. This experience exemplified the seamless integration of tradition and innovation, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a pioneer in multiple domains.

In conclusion, the Dubai-it initiative not only marked the 15th anniversary of the Global Shapers Dubai Hub but also underscored its commitment to nurturing future leaders. Associated with the UAE Global Shapers Community, the hub comprises 79 members from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, together fostering a spirit of collaboration and foresight.

The Global Future Leaders 2026 gathering, a key initiative under the strategic partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum, brought together over 700 influential figures from 100 countries. This platform allowed leaders, including government officials and Young Global Leaders, to discuss rapid transformations, explore implications, and develop actionable solutions for future challenges. The collective insights gained from this initiative can encourage a global movement towards more adaptive and visionary urban development.