Future Health, a global initiative by Abu Dhabi, has launched a new international innovation challenge with MIT Solve aimed at accelerating the shift from reactive healthcare to predictive and anticipatory health systems.

The Future Health Challenge 2026, titled Building Anticipatory Health Systems through Population Sensing, is seeking solutions that use sensing technologies to improve early detection, strengthen system resilience and improve health outcomes at scale.

The initiative is open to innovators worldwide and is focused on both low-resource and advanced healthcare environments.

Shortlisted teams will be invited to pitch their solutions at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit, scheduled to take place from April 7 to 9.

Three winning teams will share prize funding of $300,000, with the top prize set at $200,000 and two runner-up awards of $50,000 each. Selected innovators will also receive mentorship, access to Future Health’s international networks and global visibility.

The challenge is being led by Future Health, with MIT Solve acting as the implementation partner.

Future Health Challenge: Aim and key highlights

The organisers said the initiative reflects growing pressure on health systems globally. While average life expectancy more than doubled between 1800 and 2017, people still spend around half of their lives in poor or moderate health.

Chronic diseases are projected to generate $47tn in global costs by 2030, and nearly half of the world’s population lacks full access to essential health services and early detection tools.

Advances in health sensing, including community-based approaches and digital and AI-enabled technologies, are increasingly being used to detect risks earlier and anticipate how health patterns may evolve.

Differences in access and capability continue to shape how predictive healthcare is applied across regions.

“The Future Health Challenge is about fuelling a global shift from reactive care to true prevention,” said Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. “Working with MIT Solve, we are backing innovators who, through sensing, are turning insight into predictive and preventive impact at scale. We want to help societies recognise risk sooner, prevent disease, build more intelligent hospitals, and help people make informed choices that improve their health.”

The challenge will be delivered as a rapid-cycle innovation programme. Semi-finalists will pitch live at the Future Health Summit, with finalists advancing to a further pitch event to determine the overall winner.

Between five and 10 additional teams will receive honourable mentions and be invited to showcase their work in the summit’s Innovation Zone.

“Anticipating health risks requires connecting innovation, evidence, and action at a global scale,” said Hala Hanna, executive director of MIT Solve. “Through this partnership with Future Health, we are proud to support innovators in developing sensing solutions that can strengthen prediction, prevention, and equity across health systems, and help translate promising ideas into measurable impact.”

Future Health said the challenge is designed to accelerate real-world implementation of new technologies while generating insights to inform health policy, investment decisions and future health system design.

Nearly all chief executives in Qatar expect domestic economic growth to improve over the next 12 months, with confidence levels well above global averages, according to PwC’s 29th Global CEO Survey released on Wednesday.

The survey showed that 97 per cent of CEOs in Qatar expect domestic economic growth to improve over the coming year, while 84 per cent said they are confident in their company’s revenue growth over the next three years.

Deal activity is expected to remain strong, with 90 per cent of CEOs in Qatar planning to pursue at least one significant acquisition over the next three years, more than double the global average of 41 per cent. More than half of respondents, 55 per cent, said their organisations are already competing in new sectors as they seek diversification beyond traditional industries.

“CEOs in Qatar are entering the next phase of growth with exceptional confidence, clarity of direction, and long-term purpose,” said Bassam Hajhamad, Qatar country senior partner and consulting lead at PwC Middle East. “As new investment opportunities emerge, business leaders are scaling AI, pursuing strategic acquisitions, and aligning closely with national priorities to drive efficiency and build a more innovative, resilient, and competitive economy.”

Qatar: 84 per cent of CEOs reported having clearly defined roadmaps for AI initiatives

The survey found that artificial intelligence is moving from experimentation to large-scale deployment. In Qatar, 84 per cent of CEOs reported having clearly defined roadmaps for AI initiatives, 81 per cent cited a strong organisational culture that supports AI adoption, and 77 per cent stated they have access to the right technology environment to integrate AI at scale.

AI is increasingly being embedded across core business functions, including demand generation, fulfilment, support services and directly into products, services and customer experiences, PwC said.

Despite ongoing geopolitical and economic risks, most CEOs in Qatar reported that their investment plans remain largely unaffected. Around 61 per cent said geopolitical instability would have little or no impact on their likelihood of making large new investments, reflecting confidence in the domestic operating environment.

PwC also said perceived cyber risk exposure among business leaders in Qatar has declined compared with last year, which it attributed to increased investment in digital resilience and risk management as companies expand technology adoption.

Looking ahead, the survey said growth in Qatar is expected to be driven by companies that can deliver measurable outcomes in areas such as artificial intelligence, innovation and future-ready initiatives, with closer collaboration between business leaders and government on national transformation programmes.

Mastercard has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) to strengthen trust and resilience across the UAE’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem. The collaboration focuses on advancing national cybersecurity capabilities through the exchange of global best practices and support for the development of forward-looking cybersecurity policies.

The agreement was announced on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit 2026 in Dubai, alongside the launch of a joint report examining the current state of cybersecurity in the UAE.

The UAE Cyber Threat Insights Report highlights the growing complexity of cyber threats facing organisations, detailing the diverse objectives and increasingly sophisticated techniques used by threat actors. It shows that critical sectors and high-value national assets are being prioritised by malicious actors, reflecting a broader escalation in cyber risk. The report also points to sustained government efforts to strengthen national cyber resilience, particularly through deeper public-private coordination aimed at improving collective preparedness and reinforcing the UAE’s global leadership in cybersecurity.

Through the partnership, Mastercard will apply its global expertise in combating cybercrime and fraud to help strengthen the UAE’s cybersecurity posture. Since 2018, the company has invested $10.7bn in cybersecurity-related acquisitions and future-ready solutions, while its AI-driven tools have prevented $70bn in fraudulent transactions worldwide over the past decade.

According to Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime is expected to cost the global economy $15.6tn by 2029, making it equivalent to the world’s third-largest economy. CSC has previously warned that the UAE faces more than 200,000 cyberattacks every day, with over one-third targeting government entities.

“As the UAE advances its digital transformation, exposure to cybercrime grows, with risks to critical sectors escalating exponentially, driven by AI and other threats. In this rapidly evolving landscape, CSC and Mastercard share an unwavering commitment to building a secure and prosperous digital future. We aim to use the company’s global know-how and advanced technology to bolster the UAE’s cybersecurity framework, enhance the country’s readiness to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks and consolidate its leadership in this space. Together, we will launch the next wave of innovation that will strengthen our nation’s ability to anticipate and mitigate threats,” said Mohamed Alkuwaiti, head of cyber cecurity for the UAE Government.

“At Mastercard, we are dedicated to safeguarding the UAE’s digital ecosystem in line with the ‘UAE 2031’ vision and the National Cybersecurity Strategy. The MoU with the UAE Cyber Security Council reinforces our position as a trusted partner, technology provider and policy advisor to the UAE government and a thought leader in the field of cybersecurity. Our collaboration will help CSC assess emerging cyber-risks and protect both people and organisations against them,” said Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., vice chairman and president, strategic growth at Mastercard.

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) reported record annual results for 2025, posting double-digit growth in company registrations, revenue and net profit.

DIFC said the number of organically acquired active companies rose 28 per cent year on year to 8,844 in 2025.

Active company registrations increased by 2,525, a rise of 39 per cent from the previous year.

Combined revenues rose 20 per cent to Dhs2.13bn ($580m) in 2025 from Dhs1.78bn in 2024, while net profit increased 28 per cent to Dhs1.48bn from Dhs1.16bn.

DIFC said it remains the region’s largest regulated financial services ecosystem, with 1,052 financial services firms operating in the centre.

Rise in wealth and asset management firms at DIFC

These include more than 290 banks and capital markets institutions, 135 insurance and reinsurance companies, 70 brokerage firms and more than 500 wealth and asset management firms, including 102 hedge funds.

The centre is also home to 1,289 family-related entities.

New firms joining DIFC in 2025 included Allianz Trade, Cambridge Associates, China International Capital Corporation, ICICI Asset Management, Manulife, National Bank of Kuwait, PIMCO, Starwood Capital and Warburg Pincus.

“DIFC’s progressive legal and regulatory framework forms decisive pillars that support the phenomenal growth achieved by the Centre in 2025,” said Essa Kazim, governor of DIFC. “Such incremental growth contributes significantly to Dubai’s economy and enhances the emirate’s stature as a leading global financial centre.”

DIFC said growth in 2025 advanced Dubai’s position in the Global Financial Centres Index to 11th place and ranked the city among the world’s top four fintech hubs. Dubai is the region’s only financial centre and one of nine globally classified as having broad and deep financial capabilities, according to the index.

Focus on innovation

The centre’s innovation ecosystem also expanded, with the number of AI and fintech companies rising 35 per cent to 1,677 in 2025, including 200 AI firms based in the Dubai AI Campus. DIFC said startups supported by its innovation platforms have raised more than $4.5bn regionally.

In private wealth, DIFC reported more than 500 wealth and asset management firms operating in the centre, up 22 per cent in 2025.

The number of family-related entities rose 61 per cent year on year, while DIFC-based families established 1,115 foundations, an increase of 66 per cent.

Employment at DIFC grew to 50,200 professionals in 2025, with 4,122 new jobs created during the year, a rise of 9 per cent.

Women accounted for 36 per cent of the workforce.

DIFC said demand for office space remained strong, with construction underway across 1.7 million square feet of commercial space, including 600,000 square feet scheduled for handover by the end of February.

Zabeel District expansion

The recently announced Zabeel District expansion will add 17.7 million square feet of mixed-use space as part of DIFC’s long-term growth strategy.

“DIFC’s record performance in 2025 demonstrates unprecedented growth, at a time when the evolution of global finance is moving to new horizons,” said Arif Amiri, chief executive officer of DIFC Authority.

Read: Dubai’s new Dhs100bn DIFC Zabeel District project, here’s what to expect

With the Middle East and Africa (MEA) set to see a $3tn project pipeline across real estate and infrastructure between 2026 and 2030, the region is positioned for sustained high performance into 2026, according to JLL. The UAE remains central to this growth trajectory, with projected project cash flows of $795bn over the same period, including $470bn allocated to real estate development.

Speaking at the annual Navigating Tomorrow: Critical Insights for the UAE’s Evolving Real Estate Landscape event in Dubai, James Allan, CEO, UAE, Egypt and Africa at JLL, said: “Strong market fundamentals boosted the Middle East and Africa real estate market in 2025, setting the momentum for sustained performance across asset classes in 2026. We saw record residential transactions, double-digit growth in industrial and logistics rents, and an exceptionally tight 1 per cent office vacancy rate in 2025, driven by professional talent migration, substantial private investment, and strategic infrastructure development. As a pivotal market, the UAE reinforces this momentum with a committed $470bn in real estate projects by 2030, including over $300 billion in Dubai alone. Looking ahead, the uptick in the ‘flight to quality’ and asset optimisation and repurposing trends will continue, alongside the integration of AI-driven data center investments.”

Across the wider MEA region, low vacancy levels and strong absorption rates are accelerating market transformation, easing supply constraints while supporting rental and sales growth. The delivery of major infrastructure projects is expected to further stimulate real estate development and attract increased private-sector participation.

Capital flows are also evolving, with cross-border investment and alternative financing mechanisms set to play a larger role, particularly in greenfield developments where investment stock remains limited. Improved transparency, driven by regulatory reforms across the region, is expected to further strengthen investor confidence.

UAE office demand

JLL also released insights from its MEA Occupier Survey 2026, highlighting a strong office-centric culture across regional markets, with in-person collaboration continuing to dominate workplace strategies. A majority of occupiers expect to expand their office footprint, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with investment shifting from size to quality, efficiency and employee experience.

In the UAE, strong alignment between government-led economic initiatives, favourable growth fundamentals and high occupier confidence is driving both space expansion and a continued flight to quality. This is creating attractive opportunities for premium office investment, supported by resilient demand.

In Abu Dhabi, office supply is forecast to increase by just 7.9 per cent by 2028, with vacancy rates remaining extremely tight at 0.1 per cent for Prime and 1.0 per cent for Grade A space. Dubai’s pipeline is similarly constrained, with supply rising by only 3.5 per cent, largely pre-leased, resulting in Prime and Grade A vacancy rates of 0.2 per cent and 3.4 per cent respectively. City-wide vacancy of 7.1 per cent is largely concentrated in Grade B and C stock, underscoring the opportunity for landlords to align with occupier demand for centrally located, sustainable, Grade A buildings with human-centric amenities.

Read: Dubai, Abu Dhabi office rents surge as Grade A supply tightens: Savills

Industrial and logistics attract institutional capital

The industrial and logistics sector continues to draw rising levels of institutional investment, supported by near-full occupancy, strong rental growth and spillover demand extending from Dubai into Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates. Infrastructure catalysts such as the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport are helping create new economic hubs, attracting both regional and international capital.

In Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) is leveraging its operational maturity to expand into new development clusters, strengthening integrated industrial ecosystems and supporting stable rental growth across the emirate.

Dubai’s planned Metro Blue Line, with an estimated investment of $5bn, is emerging as a catalyst for long-term urban transformation rather than a standalone transport project. Transit-oriented development (TOD) is increasingly seen as a dual-value proposition, offering strong investment returns while enhancing urban livability, connectivity and social inclusion. Positioning projects ahead of the metro maturation curve is expected to deliver particularly attractive outcomes for developers and investors.

Dubai’s land market has undergone a significant transformation, with total transacted value rising 786 per cent to $121.4bn between 2019 and 2025. Growth has been driven by population inflows, a $10.6bn infrastructure pipeline, and regulatory reforms that have unlocked global capital and enhanced liquidity. Demand for mixed-use, commercial and raw land continues to rise, supported by sustained appreciation across residential and commercial rents and prices.

During a panel discussion at the event, industry experts also noted that asset retrofitting and repurposing will accelerate as higher land prices, construction costs and shifting occupier preferences push owners to future-proof assets, enhance long-term viability and protect returns.