Dubai Future Academy Invites Applicants for Second FEEL Program
Dubai Future Academy, a key initiative under the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), has officially opened applications for the second edition of its popular program, FEEL: A Disruptive Futures Program. Running for four weeks, this immersive experience is designed to prepare both local and international talent for rapid disruption across sectors.
Although the deadline for applications is July 31, 2025, the program begins on October 20. As the Academy explained, this edition will be led by a lineup of globally renowned experts. Participants will gain hands-on experience in foresight, trend identification, and innovation-based thinking.
Importantly, this opportunity is open to executives, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and domain experts. While the first edition in 2024 received nearly 1,500 applications from almost 100 countries, only 42 candidates from 15 nations were selected. They engaged in 33 intensive workshops focused on transformative technologies and decision-making tools.
According to Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO and COO at DFF, “The ‘FEEL: A Disruptive Futures Program’ helps participants keep pace with rapid transformations across all sectors driven by advances in technology and innovation.” He emphasized that the program fosters talent capable of identifying early signals of change and seizing new opportunities.
Furthermore, AlJaziri stated, “The second edition focuses on uncovering future opportunities, highlighting investment prospects, and transforming them into tangible realities.” He explained that this approach contributes to sustainable development and strengthens human capital through foresight.
Engage With Global Experts Across Emerging Domains
Crucially, FEEL participants will interact with leading experts in robotics, autonomous vehicles, longevity, future food systems, critical thinking, and AI. This direct engagement is meant to deepen understanding of cutting-edge innovations.
The speaker list includes notable figures such as Stanford’s Professor Oussama Khatib, a recipient of the Great Arab Minds Award for Technology. Other contributors include Professor Sohail Inayatullah from Tamkang University, Alyaa Al Mulla of the Longevity Think Tank, and Dr. Steven Novella of Yale.
Additionally, Dr. Brad Stanfield from the University of Auckland, David Bucca of Change Foods, and Guillaume Verdon of Extropic will share insights. Professor Paul Newman from the Oxford Robotics Institute and experts from Dubai Future Foundation, including Dr. Mohammed Qassem and Dr. Heba Shehadeh, will also participate.
These expert-led sessions will provide participants with a holistic view of global disruptions and how to prepare for them effectively.
Field Visits to Innovation Hubs Enhance Practical Learning
Beyond classroom engagement, FEEL participants will explore the UAE’s innovation ecosystem through exclusive site visits. They will tour advanced institutions such as the Technology Innovation Institute, Micropolis, Dubai Future Labs, and the Sustainability and Innovation Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park.
By combining immersive learning with real-world exposure, the program gives participants a deeper appreciation of how innovation is being applied in critical sectors. These visits are structured to foster insight, dialogue, and action in areas shaping tomorrow’s world.
Ultimately, the FEEL program reflects Dubai Future Academy’s broader mission. Through targeted training, foresight tools, and expert mentorship, the Academy continues to develop leaders ready to tackle global challenges and lead transformational change.
