UAE announces $1 million AI award, Centre for Global Future Opportunities at WEF

The UAE and the World Economic Forum (WEF) have announced three new initiatives aimed at shaping future economic opportunities, promoting artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and recognising emerging young leaders.

The announcements were made on Wednesday during the WEF’s Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders in Dubai.

Speaking at the plenary session, Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the country was moving “from discussing the future to shaping it”.

The three initiatives include the Centre for Global Future Opportunities, a $1 million Global Innovation Challenge AI Award and Future 20, a programme highlighting 20 young leaders with the potential to drive transformation over the next two decades.

Centre for Global Future Opportunities to Translate Ideas Into Legislation

The UAE government and the WEF have jointly established the Centre for Global Future Opportunities, described as the first of its kind.

The centre aims to translate emerging economic opportunities into legislation, helping governments respond to changing global conditions and turn future-focused ideas into practical policies.

The initiative reflects the UAE’s focus on strengthening collaboration between governments and international organisations to prepare for economic and technological changes.

$1 Million AI Award to Support Smarter Cities

The second initiative is the Global Innovation Challenge AI Award, launched in cooperation with Dubai Municipality.

The award offers a prize of $1 million to recognise innovative AI solutions that improve urban services and address challenges faced by cities.

The winner is expected to be announced next year. The initiative aims to demonstrate how successful solutions developed in one city can serve as models for other cities around the world.

The award highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in improving public services, supporting urban development and creating more efficient cities.
Future 20 to Recognise 20 Young Leaders Under 30

The third initiative, Future 20, will identify 20 leaders under the age of 30 who have the potential to drive significant transformation over the next 20 years.

The programme aims to recognise emerging talent across different sectors and provide a platform for young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs to contribute to shaping the future.

It also reflects the UAE and WEF’s efforts to encourage leadership development and international cooperation among the next generation of decision-makers.

UAE and WEF Expand Their Longstanding Partnership

Al Gergawi highlighted the UAE’s partnership with the WEF, which began in 2008 with the Summit on the Global Agenda.

This was followed by the Global Future Councils, which have brought together more than 1,200 experts and leaders to discuss emerging global challenges and opportunities.

The partnership is now entering a new phase through Global Future Leaders, a community of leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs representing more than 100 countries.

Al Gergawi said the global conversation had evolved from asking how the world could prepare for the future to determining how it could actively lead it.

He also highlighted how economic decisions, cyberattacks and technological advances can affect countries and communities across the world.

Alois Zwinggi, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, also delivered a keynote address at the event.

Three Major Transformations Shaping the World

During his address, Al Gergawi outlined three major transformations influencing the global landscape.

1. Shifts in the Global Balance of Power

Al Gergawi highlighted growing geopolitical uncertainty and its impact on economies, trade and government spending.

He noted that the world experienced more than 60 armed conflicts in 2025, the highest number since 1946. Global military spending also reached $3 trillion, its highest level since the end of the Cold War.

He further pointed to trade restrictions that are reshaping supply chains and manufacturing, alongside rising global debt.

According to his remarks, global debt is approaching 94% of gross domestic product (GDP) and is expected to reach 100% by 2029, potentially limiting governments’ ability to invest in future development.

2. Human Capabilities and Technological Change

The second transformation concerns the relationship between human capabilities and technology.

Al Gergawi said that as technology develops new machines, tools and solutions, the role of people in innovation must also evolve.

He emphasised the need to redefine human skills and capabilities to ensure people can adapt to technological advancements and contribute to future progress.

3. The Future of Resources and Energy

The third transformation focuses on resources, energy and environmental sustainability.

Al Gergawi noted that the world has experienced its 10 warmest years, while renewable energy accounted for 80% of additional global capacity.

He stressed that the solutions needed to address major global challenges are increasingly available, but progress depends on turning technological and scientific advances into practical results.

Five Qualities Future Leaders Need

Al Gergawi identified five essential qualities that leaders need to navigate a rapidly changing world:

Anticipating change: Recognising emerging trends and preparing for future challenges.

Continuous learning and adaptation: Developing new skills and responding to changing circumstances.

Wisdom: Making informed decisions while considering their wider consequences.

Building partnerships: Working with governments, businesses and communities to achieve shared goals.

Turning vision into results: Converting ideas and strategies into measurable outcomes.

He emphasised that leadership should ultimately be measured by the positive impact it has on people's lives.

UAE Focuses on Turning Future Opportunities Into Action

The three initiatives announced by the UAE and the WEF reflect a broader effort to connect innovation, policymaking and leadership development.

Through the new centre, the AI award and Future 20, the partnership aims to support practical solutions, encourage emerging talent and help governments respond to global transformations.

The announcements reinforce the UAE’s ambition to play an active role in shaping future economic policies, technological innovation and international leadership.