Residents of Dubai are invited to shape the city’s future through an innovative initiative by the Dubai Municipality (DM). The Future Signals program empowers residents to provide feedback on urban development and suggest new amenities.
“This is a chance for community engagement to understand their needs in city design,” stated Khulood Mustafawi, a future foresight specialist at DM. “The program is newly launched, allowing residents to share their suggestions and comments via Dubai Municipality’s WhatsApp channel.”
Mustafawi added that residents can submit photos and requests for new amenities on WhatsApp. Her remarks were made during the Urban Future Week, which started in Dubai on Monday. The event, hosted at the Museum of the Future (MOTF), brought together global thought leaders and highlighted the role of innovation in urban governance amidst digital and climate transitions.
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AI-Powered Initiative
During the event’s inauguration, Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of DM, described the Future Signals program as a social monitoring initiative.
“Shaping the future is a shared responsibility,” he stated. “The program encourages people to monitor their surroundings and report to us.”
Mustafawi noted that the initiative will integrate artificial intelligence (AI). “If cameras detect informal gatherings, it indicates a need for a public park,” she explained. “Places where empty lots become cricket fields show the need for sports facilities. This program will aid Dubai in evolving into a city that truly meets its residents’ needs.”
Waste Management
The event also highlighted the new Circle Dubai initiative, aimed at reducing the emirate’s waste. Mohammed AlNuaimi, a senior waste management engineer at DM, identified behavior change and waste segregation at the source as the main challenges.
“We’ll conduct awareness programs for households, including helpers, to teach waste sorting,” he said. “For instance, many disposable plates and glasses aren’t recyclable due to food contamination. Education is essential. Schools will also be targeted for student education.”
He mentioned that Global Village will introduce segregated waste bins for the first time this year. “There will be two to four separate bins in various areas,” he said. “This offers visitors a chance to practice waste segregation right at the source.”
