The future is easy to forecast when countries embrace data and technological advances and use them for development, Sheikh Mohammed said on the eve of the second annual meeting of the Global Future Councils of the World Economic Forum, (WEF) which begins in Dubai today.

“This data helps in empowering citizens and is no longer just study material in research centres and academic institutions,” he said.

Earlier, speaking to Khaleej Times, Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum (WEF), hailed the UAE for its innovative ideas and said the country’s visionary leadership has a clear vision for the future.

For over 10 years, he said the UAE has been a hub for WEF’s annual meetings. “Today, here in Dubai, I am proud that our collaboration is entering its most exciting phase yet, and look forward to working with the country and its leaders as they look to build a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Schwab said.

“I am already very satisfied with the contribution they are making to the work of the Forum. In addition to their role as advisory bodies for the Forum’s initiatives, the Councils are increasingly finding ways of collaborating with our new Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in San Francisco.”