Dubai:Members of the Global Shapers Community from around the world gathered to explore Dubai's innovative approaches to shaping the future during the Dubai-it initiative. Organized by the Global Shapers Dubai Hub, this event took place from October 13 to 15, 2026, as part of the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders.

According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative brought together participants to examine how Dubai anticipates change and creates opportunities. The program highlighted the city’s ability to turn vision into impactful initiatives, build ecosystems that support innovation, and adapt to global transformations.

The Dubai-it program included workshops, cultural experiences, and behind-the-scenes access, providing insights into the city's transformation into a globally connected hub. Alyazyah Almarzooqi, Curator of the Global Shapers Dubai Hub, emphasized the importance of understanding how Dubai is built, aiming to inspire participants to apply these insights in their own communities.

The initiative focused on five key themes anticipating the future, community building, converting ambition into achievement, scaling ideas, and city adaptation to future changes. A visit to Camelicious showcased the use of technology in creating sustainable products inspired by Emirati heritage, illustrating the blend of tradition and innovation.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025/26, the Global Shapers Dubai Hub plays a significant role in the UAE Global Shapers Community, which includes 79 members across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. The Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026, a strategic partnership between the UAE Government and the World Economic Forum, attracted over 700 leaders and experts from 100 countries, providing a platform to address rapid global transformations.