Dubai Future Academy (DFAc), one of Dubai Future Foundation’s (DFF) initiatives, has transitioned to virtual forums for its annual community event in response to COVID-19.  The Ramadan Pioneer Series, now in its third edition, is set to take place during the Holy Month from April 26^th to May 14^th, to facilitate knowledge sharing during this time of change. The interactive series will convene futurists, experts and thought leaders to test and share their ideas, while enabling the public to interact with pioneers in the UAE and globally.

This year’s Ramadan Pioneer Series titled, ‘Life after the coronavirus (COVID-19)’, held online for the first time, aims to bring the Academy’s resources to understand about the implications of the disease in different sectors of society, identify key takeaways and mount a reliable plan of action for future challenges and opportunities. The series will be spread across 13 sessions, where the speakers will address a variety of topics that will impact the future of the UAE, the region and the world.

Saeed Al Gergawi, Head of Dubai Future Academy said: “With the spread of COVID-19 impacting millions of people worldwide, Ramadan may look very different this year. However, during these testing times, the tradition of reflection and knowledge sharing continues, thanks to digital and emerging technologies –a powerful reminder of just how connected we are to one another.  This year’s Ramadan Pioneer Series, in light of the global crisis, will provide a virtual platform for experts to discuss and tackle the challenges posed by COVID-19 in key areas of society, together with the participation and support of the public.”

Speakers range from ministers, government and private representatives, and academia. The list of speakers for this year’s Pioneer Series include, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, CEO of Alliances for Global Sustainability and the Founder of the “Circle of Hope” Foundation and the CO-Founder of Aurora 50, H.E. Sara Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, , H.E. Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, Director General of the Smart Dubai Office, H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Cares and Member of its Board of Directors and H.E. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General at the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi (EAD),

Speakers also include, Isobel Abulhoul OBE, CEO & Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation, Founder of Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), John Sanei, Foresight Strategist, Singularity University faculty member,  Thomas Fletcher, Visiting Professor at NYU and author of  ‘The Naked Diplomat’, Member of the Dubai Future Academy Board of Trustees, Jonathan McClory, General Manager for Asia at Portland and author of the Soft Power 30 Index, Lath Carlson, Executive Director of the Museum of the Future at the Dubai Future Foundation, Ahmed Bin Shabib, Urban Geographer & Cultural Advisor to the Minister of State H.E. Zaki Nusseibeh and Maysa Jalbout, Non-Resident Fellow, Centre for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution amongst others.

Through the Ramadan Pioneer Series, DFAc will organize a number of sessions in various sectors and fields on topics including, ‘Redefining The Role Of Government In An Era Of Emerging Technologies’, ‘Education and Innovation’, ‘Building Community Resilience in a World of Social Distancing’, ‘Life Afte COVID-19 with the Dubai Future Coucils’, ‘Collectively Designing the Future’ and ‘Humanitarian Work Amid Covid-19’

Sessions will be conducted virtually via a video webinar via Zoom Conference Calling, at 5:00pm GST to include a moderated discussion of 45 minutes, followed by 15-20-minute Q&A session.

Those interested in attending the sessions can register through the Dubai Future Academy Website: https://www.dubaifutureacademy.ae/pioneers/