The UAE has set a pioneering role model in designing the future, thanks to its proactive strategies and ability to plan for and forecast developments in major economic and technological sectors, said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The remarks were made during the inauguration of four laboratories, that forecast the future of key UAE sectors. The future labs will be overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation.

“Today, we have launched four innovative labs that will focus on predicating the future of aviation, energy, blockchain and entrepreneurship,”said Sheikh Mohammed.

“Our end goal is to make these labs a hub for launching future-oriented innovations that will eventually upgrade our business and service sectors. These labs will support the UAE Centennial Plan 2071 and will lay the foundations for building a global centre to test future innovations,”  he added.

Also present at the inauguration were a number of ministers and dignitaries, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council. 

What’s special about future labs

1-Aviation

The lab has teams of five of the world’s largest aviation companies including Emirates, Airbus, GE, Thales and Collins Aerospace. It aims to support scientific research and engineering projects and will highlight future ideas and innovations in the aviation sector

2-Blockchain

In collaboration with IBM, this lab will bring together government entities and blockchain technology providers to facilitate the use of this technology in developing products and services through creating a testing environment in partnership with entrepreneurs and specialised companies in Area 2071.

3-Energy

This lab, in collaboration with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), will work to develop future research and insights into the energy sector. This lab will represent Dewa’s digital arm and will support efforts to bring about a comprehensive change in the government work system by enhancing cooperation with entities and adopting new models for future governments

4-Entrepreneurship This lab features meeting and conference rooms in Area 2071 and aims to support entrepreneurs, start-ups specialised in the technology sector. It will help entrepreneurs obtain business licences easily in collaboration with partner government entities, and will provide tools and facilities to test and launch innovative projects