The fourth edition of Dubai Future Accelerators (DFA) has been launched with the participation of 12 government bodies and in cooperation with the world’s most innovative companies.
To be held under the theme “Take Part in Creating the Future,” the 4th edition of the Dubai Future Accelerators will see teams working over a period of nine weeks in collaboration with partners from the private sector. Work progression will be divided into eight stages.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation led the launch of this year’s edition of the programme and highlighted how future governments should operate.
“Dubai continues to build partnerships with leading institutions in the private sector to help boost the development of projects that positively impact the quality of life for societies,” H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said.
Sheikh Hamdan listened to a briefing on what has been accomplished in previous editions of the Dubai Future Accelerators programme, and expressed satisfaction with the projects that were completed in record time. “We look forward to raising the bar in the 4th edition of Dubai Future Accelerators and to finding technology-driven solutions to the challenges that we address,” His Highness added.
“The programme helped set advanced work methodologies to tackle challenges in various sectors and find innovative solutions. The programme allows government entities to foresee and solve future challenges and create active partnerships across sectors,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
Sheikh Hamdan also attended a meeting with government entities participating in this edition’s programme, accompanying Sheikh Hamdan on the visit were Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation and Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation; Khalfan Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Future Foundation; and Abdul Aziz Al Jazairi Deputy CEO for Strategy and Projects at Dubai Future Foundation.
This edition of the programme includes the following challenges:
Dubai Police: As part of this year’s programme, the Dubai Police will work to decrease crime rate by 25 percent by 2021; use artificial intelligence (AI) in statistics to support the decision-making process and enhance emergency response.
Dubai Municipality: The Dubai Municipality will aim to use AI-backed and/or blockchain solutions to enhance pest control, construction work, food safety, and public health.
Dubai Health Authority: Increase awareness among patients on diseases and preventative measures.
Roads & Transport Authority – Dubai: The RTA will work to Enhance integration and sustainability of infrastructure; and enhance autonomous transport with wireless charging capabilities.
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA): Deploy innovative solutions (blockchain, energy storage, Internet of Things (IoT)) to enhance the quality of service.
Etisalat: Transform operations and streamline customer support and promote self-service to 90 percent. by 2021. The telco will also test the adoption of augmented reality (AR) solutions and AI.
Du: Explore ways to implement machine learning & big data to enhance corporate support by 30 percent.
Smart Dubai: Make use of behavioural reinforcement to increase use of digital government services by 25 percent. The government firm will also work towards optimising IoT to manage resource planning systems at government entities to save time and effort by 30 percent.
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai: Enhance ‘Smart Tunnel’ solution to streamline passport control process for travelers.
Department of Economic Development – Dubai: Use AI in boosting efficiency of control & inspection procedures by 25 percent by 2018.
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – Dubai: Empower educational institutions to use smart systems to enhance student skills.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives: Enhance living standards for refugees as well as utilise solar energy in desalination technology.
