Dubai’s Design Thinking Transformation: An Emerging Global Model for Smart Governance | Vera Futorjanski | The Economic Times Podcast

Live, Work & Play in Dubai – Ft. Vera Futorjanski In this forward-looking episode of Live, Work & Play in Dubai, we’re joined by Vera Futorjanski—global innovation strategist and founder of Veritas Ventures—to discuss Dubai’s evolving approach to embedding innovation within governance. The episode dives into how Dubai transformed itself into a testing ground for emerging technologies by incorporating foresight tools such as scenario planning and future trends analysis into public policy design. Futorjanski recounts the early days of Dubai Future Accelerators, where government entities partnered with global startups to pilot technologies such as blockchain and experimental concepts like the Hyperloop and urban air mobility. She also reflects on Dubai’s emphasis on public-private experimentation and cross-border collaboration, and how the city has emerged as a leader in the UAE’s policy-driven innovation push, with growing global visibility.. The episode is a deep dive into how long-term strategic planning paired with agile execution can influence urban development in the digital age, shaping the cities of tomorrow.