Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Foresight goes beyond predicting events, serving as a practical tool for anticipating change, managing uncertainty, and guiding strategic decisions.
This approach is essential to building a prosperous future for the UAE, according to Dr Hasan Al Mujaini, author of "Future Foresight in the UAE: Pathways to Tomorrow".
The book highlights that technological progress alone is not enough; what matters most is how effectively and responsibly it is used.
In an interview with Aletihad, Dr Al Mujaini explained how long-term strategic planning has shaped the UAE’s development.
He also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, innovation, sustainability and human capital in shaping the UAE’s future, as well as preserving national identity and advancing the goals of UAE Centennial 2071.
Dr Al Mujaini said foresight has helped the UAE transform its resources into long-term investments in education, infrastructure and technology, preparing future generations for emerging opportunities.
“The most compelling part of the UAE’s story is not simply what the country possessed, but what it chose to build,” he said.
He explained that UAE Vision 2021 and UAE Centennial 2071 reflect coordinated planning that links economic development with sustainability, wellbeing and national identity.
“Foresight has enabled the UAE to move from reacting to change towards actively shaping it,” he added.
He discussed how the UAE has translated long-term strategic planning into tangible achievements through economic diversification, investment, innovation and scientific advancement.
“The UAE’s achievements reveal a consistent pattern: an ambitious vision is followed by investment, institution-building and determined implementation. Economic diversification is a powerful example,” he said.
He noted that the UAE has leveraged its energy resources to develop globally competitive industries, including aviation, tourism, technology and renewable energy.
The Hope Probe mission to Mars, Masdar, Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, and smart government services demonstrate how the UAE has translated long-term planning into scientific and technological progress.
"What makes these achievements particularly valuable is the story behind them. Each began with a decision to prepare early, invest in capability and pursue goals that once appeared beyond reach," he added.
Discussing the motivation for writing the book, Dr Al Mujaini said he wanted to explore the thinking behind the UAE’s achievements.
“However, the more fascinating story is the strategic thinking that made these achievements possible,” he said.
Drawing on his Emirati background and academic and professional experience, he examined the leadership decisions, investments and policies behind the country’s progress.
He also aimed to make future foresight accessible to a wider audience.
“In reality, it concerns questions that affect everyone: How do we prepare for disruption? Which opportunities should we invest in? What kind of society do we want to build? The book invites readers to consider these questions through the UAE’s remarkable journey.”
Further, Dr Al Mujaini said his future research will focus on AI, organisational foresight, and strategic decision-making.
“The central question is no longer whether technology will transform our institutions, but whether we can guide that transformation responsibly and use it to create lasting value,” he said.
He identified AI governance, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, climate adaptation, water security, and biotechnology among the UAE’s emerging priorities.
“We must also become more skilled at recognising weak signals — the small changes occurring today that may become major forces tomorrow,” he added.
His research will explore how data, scenario planning and human judgement can help identify emerging trends and prepare for future challenges.
Dr Al Mujaini said AI can enhance forecasting, healthcare, environmental monitoring and public services.
“Artificial intelligence gives decision-makers the ability to analyse enormous amounts of information, detect patterns and identify emerging trends at a speed that was previously impossible,” he said.
He explained that AI can also help institutions assess future scenarios and prepare for economic, technological and environmental changes.
However, he stressed that AI cannot replace human judgement and leadership in strategic decision-making.
“The most successful approach will combine technological intelligence with ethics, experience and national purpose. In the book, I discuss why the future belongs not simply to those with the most advanced technology, but to those who know how to use it wisely.”
On balancing innovation with national identity, Dr Al Mujaini stressed the importance of collaboration and preparing young Emiratis to lead emerging technologies.
“Innovation and identity are not opposing forces. National values can give innovation direction and purpose. The Arabic language, Emirati heritage, family cohesion, tolerance and commitment to community should remain present in education, media and digital platforms,” he said.
Eyeing towards UAE Centennial 2071, he identified AI, clean energy and advanced manufacturing as key growth areas, while emphasising human capital and education.
“Climate technology, sustainable food production and water security are also likely to become strategically important. These areas respond to urgent global challenges and offer the UAE an opportunity to develop solutions relevant to other nations facing similar environmental conditions.”
