July 7, 2025
Dubai, UAE – Dubai Future Academy, a flagship initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), has officially opened applications for the second edition of its transformative program, FEEL: A Disruptive Futures Program. The immersive four-week experience is designed to empower a new generation of leaders and innovators with the foresight, tools, and expertise to navigate disruption and shape the future.
The upcoming edition begins on 20 October 2025 and will be led by an impressive lineup of globally recognized experts and thought leaders. Applications are open to both local and international talent until 31 July 2025. Interested candidates can apply via the DFF website: Apply Here.
A Visionary Program to Anticipate and Lead Change
FEEL is tailored for executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and industry experts who seek to stay ahead of rapid transformation driven by technological advancement, economic shifts, and global disruption. Participants will be immersed in Dubai’s thriving innovation ecosystem, gaining the insight and skills necessary to:
- Identify early signals of change
- Understand global trends and challenges
- Transform foresight into practical action
- Explore investment and innovation opportunities
The program includes interactive workshops, collaborative projects, exclusive field visits, and high-level networking with industry leaders and policymakers.
Learning from Global Experts
Participants will engage directly with world-renowned futurists, scientists, and technologists. This year’s expert lineup includes:
- Professor Oussama Khatib (Stanford University), robotics pioneer and recipient of the Great Arab Minds Award
- Professor Sohail Inayatullah (Tamkang University, Taiwan), UNESCO Chair in Futures Studies
- Alyaa Al Mulla, Founder of the Longevity Think Tank
- Dr. Steven Novella, Neurologist at Yale School of Medicine
- Dr. Brad Stanfield, Preventive Medicine Specialist, University of Auckland
- David Bucca, CEO of Change Foods
- Guillaume Verdon, CEO of Extropic
- Professor Paul Newman, Founder of Oxford Robotics Institute
- Plus key experts from Dubai Future Foundation, including Dr. Mohammed Qassem and Dr. Heba Shehadeh
These thought leaders will guide participants through a diverse set of future-focused topics, from advanced AI chips, robotics, and autonomous vehicles, to longevity, future foods, and foresight methodologies.
Hands-On Learning Through Strategic Visits
To complement theoretical knowledge, FEEL offers exclusive access to innovation hubs and research facilities across the UAE, including:
- The Technology Innovation Institute
- Micropolis, an autonomous vehicle manufacturer
- The Sustainability and Innovation Centre at Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park
- Dubai Future Labs
- And other cutting-edge institutions leading transformative advancements
These visits provide participants with real-world insight into disruptive innovations in action — and how they’re shaping industries, policy, and daily life.
A Proven Program with Global Reach
The inaugural edition of FEEL in 2024 attracted nearly 1,500 applicants from around 100 countries. From this diverse pool, 42 participants representing 15 nations were selected to take part in 33 workshops, practical sessions, and networking events.
Reflecting on the program’s vision, Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO and COO of DFF, stated:
“FEEL is designed to equip participants with the foresight and flexibility needed to thrive in a fast-changing world. From anticipating disruption to seizing new opportunities, this program is about preparing leaders for the world that’s coming — not just the one we live in today.”
He added:
“The second edition focuses on turning future opportunities into real-world impact — contributing to sustainable development, economic growth, and the advancement of agile, future-ready talent.”
About Dubai Future Academy
Dubai Future Academy plays a central role in building the capabilities of current and future leaders by delivering high-impact learning experiences in foresight, technology, policy, and innovation. Through initiatives like FEEL, the Academy helps individuals and institutions keep pace with global shifts while contributing to Dubai’s position as a global hub for future readiness.
