Dubai Future Foundation Lists 2025’s Top Emerging Technologies
The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), has released its much-anticipated Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025 report. This collaborative study outlines technologies expected to reshape global industries, with a focus on sustainability, health, artificial intelligence, and energy innovation.
Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of DFF, emphasized that accelerating technological change presents vast opportunities. He noted that these advancements could unlock both economic growth and meaningful social impact. The report’s launch marks a milestone, as it’s the first time a regional entity DFF has contributed foresight analysis to WEF’s global publication.
Importantly, more than 300 experts from the Global Future Council network contributed to the report. This year’s edition is the first to incorporate a foresight-based approach. DFF led that effort, focusing on the long-term implications and real-world applications of each technology.
A Focus on Impact, Scalability, and Innovation
The ten selected technologies stand out for their novelty, scalability, and potential for positive societal change. These innovations span several fields, including green energy, biomedical research, and advanced AI applications. According to the report, these breakthroughs are not just theoretical—they are on the cusp of practical, wide-scale use.
For example, green nitrogen fixation offers a clean method to produce ammonia, while osmotic power systems convert the interaction of saltwater and freshwater into renewable energy. GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed to treat obesity and diabetes, are now being researched for neurological diseases.
Meanwhile, nanozymes and autonomous biochemical sensing promise advancements in healthcare diagnostics. In the digital space, generative watermarking could provide crucial tools for verifying AI-generated content. Other technologies like engineered living therapeutics and structural battery composites are poised to impact medicine and mobility, respectively.
Preparing for a Rapidly Evolving Future
Al Gergawi highlighted that “readiness for future technologies and the capacity to apply their diverse use cases – has become a key benchmark for governments and the private sector in designing and building the future.” For that reason, the report serves not just as a forecast, but also as a strategic guide.
The inclusion of collaborative sensing networks and advanced nuclear technologies reflects the urgency to address global challenges through integrated systems. These emerging technologies could soon help solve real-world problems at scale—whether in urban infrastructure, environmental monitoring, or clean energy production.
In closing, Al Gergawi reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment: “We will continue to support active global partnerships and advancing research to anticipate emerging trends and technological opportunities.” The report is a call to action for decision-makers across sectors to embrace innovation as a means of shaping a better future.
