The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has partnered with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to spotlight 10 emerging technologies poised to revolutionize our world. This collaboration not only marks a significant step for the Foundation but also highlights the role of innovative technology in shaping the future.
The forward-looking report emphasizes advancements across various domains, including green energy, health, artificial intelligence (AI), and nuclear technology. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation, notes that the accelerating pace of technological change is ushering in expansive opportunities for economic growth and positive social impact globally.
Launch of the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025 Report
Launched recently, the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025 report serves as a crucial resource for governments, companies, and entrepreneurs, providing insights into the most promising scientific and technological advancements expected to gain traction in the upcoming years. Al Gergawi emphasizes the importance of being prepared for future technologies and leveraging their various applications, stating that readiness has become essential for both the public and private sectors in their strategic planning.
This report is especially noteworthy because it marks the first occasion that a regional entity has contributed to the WEF’s annual publication, originally established in 2011. The foresight angle developed in collaboration with DFF adds a unique dimension, making it richer in terms of long-term implications and potential applications to address real-world challenges. Contributions came from over 300 experts across the Global Future Council network, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of each technology’s impact.
Overview of the Top 10 Emerging Technologies
Carefully selected for their novelty, societal implications, and scalability, the technologies identified in this report represent a keen focus on critical areas like health, sustainability, AI, and energy. Here’s a closer look at each of these promising innovations:
- Green nitrogen fixation: This innovative method for producing ammonia utilizes renewable electricity and electrochemical processes, making it an eco-friendly alternative for various industrial applications.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists: Originally developed to tackle obesity and diabetes, these drugs are now being investigated for their potential to address neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, indicating a transformative approach to healthcare.
- Osmotic power systems: Harnessing renewable energy through the interaction of saltwater and freshwater, osmotic power systems present a novel solution for sustainable energy generation.
- Collaborative sensing: This concept involves networks of smart sensors integrated into cities, vehicles, and infrastructure, creating more responsive and intelligent urban environments.
- Nanozymes: Engineered synthetic enzymes offer a more cost-effective, durable, and stable alternative to their natural counterparts, with wide-ranging applications in biotechnology.
- Autonomous biochemical sensing: Devices designed for continuous monitoring of health or environmental conditions can operate without human oversight, providing real-time data for improved decision-making.
- Advanced nuclear technologies: Emerging technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) present safer and more compact nuclear energy solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals.
- Generative watermarking: This technology embeds invisible markers in AI-generated content to verify authenticity, addressing the growing concerns surrounding content ownership and integrity in our digital era.
- Engineered living therapeutics: By modifying microbes to produce treatments within the human body, this innovation represents a drastic leap in personalized medicine and therapeutic delivery systems.
- Structural battery composites: These innovative load-bearing materials, applicable in vehicles and aircraft, also function as batteries, merging structural design with energy storage capabilities.
The report details how each of these technologies could drastically alter global systems—from revolutionizing clean energy solutions to advancing biomedical treatments and enhancing digital content management. Al Gergawi’s vision for this publication reflects a deep commitment to enabling stakeholders to leverage these scientific and technological breakthroughs effectively.
