Dubai: Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Deputy Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation, highlighted the UAE’s strategy of viewing global shifts as opportunities during a session at the Dubai Future Forum 2025. The forum, which is the world’s largest gathering of futurists and experts, saw participation from around 100 countries and brought together 2,500 experts in future design.

According to Emirates News Agency, Al Olama emphasized the UAE’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to becoming a global hub for digital transformation. He noted the country’s shift from conventional questioning to an ambitious mindset, encapsulated in the question ‘Why not?’ This mindset reflects the UAE’s pioneering spirit in leveraging advanced technologies to create opportunities that enhance global competitiveness.

Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard, also participated in the session, announcing the world’s first payment transaction using an agentic AI payment system outside the United States. This solution, launched in partnership with Majid Al Futtaim, represents a new model of online shopping where AI manages the entire shopping journey. Miebach praised the UAE’s fast-moving ecosystem and progressive approach to technology adoption, calling for the development of future skills and lifelong learning.

The forum, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is organized by the Dubai Future Foundation and features over 200 speakers in more than 70 sessions. The event covers key themes such as the future of societies, health, and systems.