Peter Diamandis and Singularity Members faculty members Avi Reichental and Philip Rosedale kicked off proceedings on Day 2 of the inaugural Abundance 360 (A360) Summit in Dubai tackling the Future of Tourism, Hospitality, Retail & Real Estate.

This interactive discussion focused on technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, ubiquitous sensors and networks, Hyperloop, drones, and robotics and how they will transform how — and where — we shop, travel and live.

“Be it the total immersion in new sights, scenes and events that virtual reality promises or imagining a future where 3D scanning-and-printing is an everyday act — where food, clothing and objects are routinely output at home, or even a trip to Abu Dhabi that takes minutes thanks to the Hyperloop, these speakers have brought to life the future and that it is faster, better and more abundant than you think,” said Peter Diamandis, who conceptualized this highly curated 2-day summit.

This start was closely followed by a session on energy disruption, a topic that resonates in this region in particular. Ramez Naam, the Chair of Energy at Singularity University (SU) and a bestselling science fiction author, presented an exciting, data-driven glimpse of the historic advances in renewable energy and where it’s going in the next two to five years.

“I’m pleased that Abundance 360 discussed energy transformation as this is important to the region, because its experiencing major changes in energy. In Dubai, we have a holistic approach to the future of energy that includes the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to increase the share of clean energy to 75% by 2050. Through Digital DEWA, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, DEWA is redefining the concept of a utility to create a new digital future for Dubai. DEWA will disrupt the entire business of public utilities by becoming the world’s first digital utility to use autonomous systems for renewable energy and storage while expanding the use of artificial intelligence and digital services,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

The afternoon was dedicated to educating delegates on how to think abundantly, change their mindset, create a Massively Transformative Purpose (MTP), and find their moonshot.

Along with Anousheh Ansari, CEO, XPRIZE Foundation, Dr. Diamandis offered an unprecedented glimpse into the future of leadership, both sharing their own experience of honing and pursuing Moonshots.

“The first female private space explorer, first astronaut of Iranian descent, first Muslim woman in space and fourth private explorer to visit space, Anousheh is an inspiration to us all.”

The afternoon’s fireside chat was a conversation between Peter and Lino Cattaruzzi, MENA MD at Google, where they discussed how exponentials will transform various industries — in the UAE and beyond.

“Our goal was to deliver you unfair advantages and insights on new business models, disruptive threats and exciting opportunities. Judging by the phenomenal feedback, I can safely say we have achieved our goals and I personally am both honored and humbled to have been a part of a platform that has truly set the benchmark in the region for preparing leaders for an exponential future,” concluded Aman Merchant, chief disruptor at d’labs, the strategic partner for A360 Dubai.