The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced the winners for the second edition of the Dubai Foresight Awards, recognizing innovative figures and organizations playing pivotal roles in shaping future readiness. This prestigious event will commence during Dubai Future Week from November 18 to 21, 2026, under the captivating theme “For the Human of the Future,” held at Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future.

Acknowledging Innovators and Visionaries

The Dubai Foresight Awards serve as a platform to celebrate exceptional innovators who significantly contribute to anticipating and preparing for the future. With projects selected from a vast pool of submissions worldwide, these awards promise to highlight groundbreaking achievements across three distinct categories: Foresight Changemakers, Foresight for People, and Foresight for the Planet.

This year, after a meticulous evaluation process, nine standout projects have been shortlisted. From these finalists, three winners will emerge, each representing a commitment to anticipating upcoming challenges and opportunities in various fields. Assessments focus on factors like originality, innovative approaches, real-world implementation of foresight methodologies, tangible impact, and scalability.

Three Pillars of Focus

The Foresight Changemakers category honors individuals and organizations that have pioneered innovative frameworks and tools that reshape our collective ability to foresee and respond to changes. This category emphasizes contributions that enhance how societies and institutions navigate future uncertainties, promoting a proactive culture toward emerging challenges.

In contrast, the Foresight for People category shines a spotlight on initiatives that translate visionary ideas into practical benefits for communities. Recognizing projects that leverage foresight in public policy, societal transformation, and institutional performance, this category underscores the importance of placing people at the center of future-oriented thinking, fostering sustainable and resilient societies.

The Foresight for the Planet category is dedicated to honoring innovators who use foresight tools to safeguard the environment and support biodiversity. By translating long-term visions into actionable strategies, this initiative aims to promote sustainability and preserve vital natural resources, demonstrating the critical intersection of foresight and environmental stewardship.

Inspiring Future Generations

Abdulaziz AlJaziri, the Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, remarked on the significance of the awards, emphasizing that they celebrate visionaries whose work directly impacts individuals and communities. These pioneers are not merely reacting to present-day issues; they engage in strategic foresight that equips societies to handle future complexities. The awards represent an opportunity for these innovators to connect with international experts, facilitating collaborations within DFF’s expansive innovation ecosystem.

Past recipients have included remarkable projects, such as Fiji’s Pasifika Futures Report, which underscored the value of Indigenous knowledge in shaping the future of Pacific Island communities. The City of Longevity initiative from the UK also garnered recognition for designing urban spaces that promote healthier, longer lives. Furthermore, the Congo Basin Futures project received accolades for addressing biodiversity challenges critical to sustaining the Congo Basin’s resources.

As excitement builds for Dubai Future Week, attendees can expect a plethora of stimulating activities, including keynote speeches, workshops, and innovative exhibitions. The event promises a rich experience focusing on fostering deep conversations and practical solutions to contemporary issues.

For further details about the upcoming Dubai Future Week and its diverse agenda, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official website.