Brief
UAE and WEF launch $1 million AI award and new Global Future Centre
The initiatives aim to turn economic opportunities into legislation and showcase AI solutions for smart cities.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The United Arab Emirates and the World Economic Forum unveiled three new programmes on 14 October at the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders in Dubai.
What happened
UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi announced the Centre for Global Future Opportunities, a $1 million Global Innovation Challenge AI Award and a "Future 20" list of young leaders. The centre is described as the first of its kind, intended to translate economic opportunities into legislation. The AI award, created with Dubai Municipality, will recognise intelligent solutions that improve city services, with the winner to be named in 2027. The Future 20 will highlight 20 individuals under 30 who could drive transformation over the next two decades.
What the reports add
Al Gergawi noted that the UAE’s partnership with the WEF began in 2008 and has involved more than 1,200 experts through Global Future Councils. He said the new chapter opens a community of innovators from over 100 countries. Alois Zwinggi, President and CEO of the WEF, also delivered a keynote address, though the source provides no further detail on his remarks.
What was said
Al Gergawi said the country is moving “from discussing the future to shaping it” and added, “Eighteen years ago, we asked how we prepare for the future. Today, we ask how we lead it.”
How it came about
The initiatives follow earlier UAE‑WEF collaborations, including the Global Future Councils and the Global Future Leaders community that brings together leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs from more than 100 nations.
Key facts
- UAE and WEF announced three initiatives at the Global Future Leaders meeting in Dubai on 14 October. (khaleejtimes.com)
- The Centre for Global Future Opportunities will translate economic opportunities into legislation. (khaleejtimes.com)
- The Global Innovation Challenge AI Award offers a $1 million prize for city‑service solutions. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Future 20 will spotlight 20 leaders under 30 to drive transformation over the next 20 years. (khaleejtimes.com)
- The AI award winner will be announced in 2027. (khaleejtimes.com)
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “UAE announces $1 million AI award, Centre for Global Future Opportunities at WEF”
