Dubai Future Week returns 18–21 November with eight concepts

Dubai Future Week will take place from 18 to 21 November 2026 at Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future, according to an announcement published by the Dubai Media Office on 12 October. The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) is organising the event under the theme "For the Human of the Future", and about 10,000 participants are expected.

What the programme includes

Over four days, the programme combines keynote speeches, panels, workshops, competitions, exhibitions, immersive experiences, closed-door meetings and outdoor activities. The organisers have grouped it into eight concepts:

• The Big Stage: talks and debates by global leaders, held at the Museum of the Future Auditorium and across Emirates Towers.
• The Prototype Floor: at AREA 2071 in Emirates Towers, an exhibition of 100 student projects selected from thousands of submissions worldwide. Visitors can try soil-free grown food, take a 60-second AI-powered health screening and virtually try on clothing.
• The Pitch: entrepreneurs present ideas to expert panels and compete for investment.
• The Policy Room: closed-door discussions among ministers, regulators and private sector representatives on rules for AI, data governance and emerging technologies.
• The Challenge: contests in AI, robotics and foresight, including the third AI Grandmaster competition and hackathons.
• Offstage: closed-door meetings for communities, creators and decision-makers.
• 500 Future Minds: closed-door sessions that bring together leaders and talent from Dubai's key sectors.
• The District: a public destination throughout the week.

What it means for residents and visitors

Most of the programme is aimed at industry, government and invited participants. The District is the part described as a public destination, with interactive experiences in technology, art, sport, culture, food and community. The announcement did not say whether entry is free or ticketed.

Residents planning to attend, and businesses considering sponsorship or pitching, can find details and registration at dubaifutureweek.com. Visitors should expect higher traffic and busier hotels around Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future during the four days, although the announcement gave no transport or road-closure information.

The Policy Room is also worth watching for companies working with AI and data, since discussions there concern future regulatory frameworks, though the sessions are closed and no outcomes have been announced.