Dubai is leading several pioneering initiatives to develop its foresight ecosystem, including the Dubai Future Experts Program (DEEP), which supports the leadership's vision to empower national talent with future-ready skills—a cornerstone of the city's vision. He said: 'Dubai continues to foster a culture of future readiness, designing opportunities and empowering foresight experts across various government entities. This strategic approach, through programs like DEEP, has tangibly and sustainably impacted the capabilities of strategy planning and design teams in the government sector, moving foresight skills from merely reacting to changes to anticipating and shaping the future.' Over its five previous cohorts, DEEP has graduated 99 experts from 45 government entities. Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has opened registration for the sixth cohort of DEEP, the world's first initiative to institutionalize foresight practices in government. Jointly developed by The Executive Council of Dubai and DFF, the program brings together local and international experts to advance foresight in the public sector and cultivate future-ready government leaders. Participants will develop a real-world foresight project addressing a challenge or opportunity relevant to their entity, sector, or Dubai as a whole. Through 133 projects to date, DEEP has reinforced Dubai's position as a global leader in future readiness and innovation. Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO and COO at DFF, said: 'Dubai's transformational leaps and achievements, which distinguish its present and shape its future, are rooted in a forward-looking strategic mindset. The program has strengthened Dubai's future readiness and supported innovative policies.' The first level focuses on an immersive, applied learning experience. The alumni network also facilitates ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange among graduates. This level centers on project-based work, mentorship, peer-to-peer collaboration, and knowledge transfer. Graduates can join the DEEP alumni network, attending DFF events, joining regional and international foresight networks, and contributing as guest speakers or judges. Applications are open until April 17, 2026. For more information, visit: http://www.dubaifuture.ae/deep-2026. The sixth cohort will span six months, with participants engaging in two levels: 'Certified Foresight Practitioner' (building foresight capability) and 'Certified Foresight Ambassador' (applying foresight to institutional challenges). The program includes in-person sessions, practical exercises, lectures, field visits, and hands-on work with foresight tools. It is open to Emirati employees in Dubai's government and semi-government entities, targeting middle and senior management.
