Sheikh Hamdan to welcome hundreds of 'futurists' to Dubai Future Forum

Crown Prince of Dubai reveals event will be held at newly opened Museum of the Future

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  The Museum of the Future opened in Dubai. The emirate is focusing on 'industries of the future' to boost its economy. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Avatar Aya speaks to guests as they go to the first chapter, OSS Hope space station.

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  The museum gives visitors a glimpse of Dubai in 2071.

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  Visitors travel to the first chapter, OSS Hope.

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  Visitors look at key elements of the solar system.

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  Visitors become Mars colony ambassadors to Earth.

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  Visitors look at a model of OSS Hope.

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  Vault of Life uses cutting-edge virtual and augmented reality technology to introduce visitors into an interactive experience where they collect samples from nature.

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  Their task is to contribute to efforts being made to restore the natural environment, rehabilitate the forest with its plants and animals, and help to repair the damage inflicted.

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  The nature simulator allows visitors to list the living organisms they contributed to saving virtually.

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  Visitors enjoy the second chapter, the Heal Institute.

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  The Heal Institute is a research centre focused on preserving the planet's ecosystem through the use of the latest AI and bio-technology.

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  The library, where arguably the museum’s most stunning feature lies.

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  Tomorrow Today exhibition includes advanced and pioneering technology that can help to shape the future of humanity.

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  Teslaglove that allows you to feel virtual reality objects.

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  A full metal jacket, made of 65% copper and resistant to viruses, is on display at the Tomorrow Today section.

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  MARS, Modular Artificial Reef Structure, at the Tomorrow Today section.

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  Visitors in the Tomorrow Today section.

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  The Future Heroes floor has been designed for children under the age of 10 to stimulate scientific curiosity.

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  It takes young people and younger generations on a future journey that expands their positive view of our world.

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  It also enhances their confidence in their abilities to make positive changes.

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  The children's floor aims to consolidate their belief in the potential of humanity to affect significant change and reinforce their conviction that nothing is impossible with science.

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  Al Waha focuses on health and wellness, offering visitors an opportunity to reconnect with themselves, away from the distraction of external influences and always-on technologies.

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  It takes them to a world that simulates the senses and heightens their response mechanism to external influences.

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  This allows them to meditate and enhance the natural balance within them without the use of technology.

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  The Connection Therapy in Al Waha.

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  The Museum of the Future will be a space for knowledge that gathers intellectuals and futurists from all over the world.

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  A drone of an octopus at the Museum of the Future.

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  A drone of a penguin at the Museum of the Future.

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  The Museum of the Future in Dubai opened its doors to the public on Wednesday.

Hundreds of 'futurists' from around the world will convene in the UAE for the first Dubai Future Forum, which will be held on October 10 and 11.

It was announced on Tuesday by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, that the emirate would host about 400 forward thinkers from around the world for the forum held at the Museum of the Future.

Guests will include thought leaders and specialists from more than 15 organisations and institutions to debate and discuss the next few decades for humanity.

“The Forum will focus on exploring and shaping the future by discussing changes that matter to our daily lives, investing in opportunities and preparing the world for potential risks," said Sheikh Hamdan on his official website.

"The UAE’s real strength is in its developmental model that is based on foresight and collaborating with the best ideas and minds to build the best future for human communities.

“We want to be proactive in designing and making the future and preparing for its changes. We have great ambitions and a long-term vision. Dubai and the UAE will always have a passion for the future.”

The forum will consist of four main themes: the future of the world, values and humanity, existential risks and anticipating future changes.

These topics will be discussed over two days and throughout 30 sessions.

The Museum of the Future opened in February. Spanning an area of 30,000 square metres, the seven-storey pillarless structure stands 77 metres tall. The stainless steel facade, which extends to more than 17,000 square metres, is illuminated by 14,000 metres of Arabic calligraphy.