Page 26 - FUTURE FESTIVAL PR REPORT - MAY 2024

5/15/24, 11:18 AM Future Festival 2024 set to highlight AI-driven innovations and connect industry leaders for the first time in Dubai - Eye of Dubai
objectives, ‘Food and Beverage Leisure’ session to explain the ongoing transformation in the industry, along with the
‘Food Leisure’ session to discuss how AI impacts the CPG, restaurant, and culinary industries.

Other sessions include ‘Future Tech and the Next Frontier,’ which will be led by Sean Scharf, CCO of Trend Hunter, and
will highlight the transformative influence of AI on creativity, efficiency, and consumer interaction. In addition to providing

insights into a smarter, more innovative future, Sean will also discuss the profound effects of AI on the workforce, consumer
experience, and everyday life. Likewise, the ‘Reflection and Reprioritisation’ session will distil the most significant
learnings and insights from the event for participants.

According to International Data Corporation, annual spending on AI in the Middle East and Africa is anticipated to increase by

32 per cent. The UAE stands to benefit the most from this, especially as the technology sector is set to contribute
approximately USD 97 billion to the country's GDP.

The UAE is also committed to achieving the goals outlined in the UAE Centennial 2071, and has begun integrating AI into

government operations, which promises to improve efficiency and effectiveness, positioning the country as a global leader in
AI applications. Assuming that automation is extensively implemented in each industry, the UAE could benefit from an
increase in economic output of AED 335 billion.

The Future Festival, which has Expo City and the Dubai Future Foundation as Strategic Partners, not only showcases Dubai's
commitment to advancing AI, but further supports the UAE's broader AI Strategy, which aims to accelerate growth in the

fields of community welfare, education, economy, and the government. With its valuable insights into the rapidly evolving
world of technology, Trend Hunter – the largest community for trend spotting across industries – will also play a key role in
supporting this influential forum. As expectations rise, the 'Future Festival' will serve as a point of inspiration, allowing

participants to embark on a journey of knowledge and collaboration.

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