Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has opened registration for the sixth cohort of Dubai Future Experts Program (DEEP), the world’s first initiative for institutionalising foresight practices in government.

Jointly developed by The Executive Council of Dubai and DFF, the programme brings together local and international experts to advance foresight in the public sector and help cultivate future-ready government leaders. Through 133 projects to date, the programme has reinforced Dubai’s position as a global leader in future readiness and innovation.

Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer at DFF, said: “Dubai has recorded transformational leaps and achievements that differentiates it present, and shape its future are all rooted in a forward-looking strategic mindset. Dubai leads several pioneering initiatives to develop its foresight ecosystem, including the Dubai Future Experts Program, which supports ourleadership’s vision to empower national talent with skills for the future as it’s a cornerstone to the city’s vision.”

He said: “Dubai continues to foster a culture of future readiness, designing its opportunities, and empowering experts specialized in foresight across various government sector entities. This strategic approach has, over the years and through programmes such as the Dubai Future Experts Program, had a tangible and sustainable impact on building the capabilities of strategy planning and design teams in the government sector, moving foresight skills from merely reacting to changes and transformations to anticipating and shaping the future.”

Over its five previous cohorts, DEEP has graduated 99 experts from 45 government entities. The programme has strengthened Dubai’s future readiness and supported innovative policies. The sixth cohort will span six months with participants engaging in two levels: Certified Foresight Practitioner, which focuses on building foresight capability, and Certified Foresight Ambassador, which applies foresight to real institutional challenges.

The first level focuses on an immersive, applied learning experience. It comprises four modules looking at foresight methodologies including alternative approaches. There are in-person sessions, practical exercises, lectures, and field visits, as well as hands-on exercises with foresight tools and frameworks.

The second level focuses on practical application. Participants will develop a real-world foresight project that addresses a challenge or opportunity relevant to their entity, sector, or to Dubai as a whole. This level centres on project-based work, mentorship, peer-to-peer collaboration, and knowledge transfer.

Graduates can join the DEEP alumni network, enabling them to attend DFF events, join regional and international foresight networks, and contribute their expertise as guest speakers or judges in foresight projects. The alumni network also facilitates ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange among graduates.

The programme is open to Emirati employees in government and semi-government entities in Dubai, targeting middle and senior management. Applications are open until 17 April 2026.

For more information about Dubai Future Experts Program (DEEP), please visit: http://www.dubaifuture.ae/deep-2026