Research Analyst - Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (UAE National)

Life at Dubai Future Foundation

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) aims to realize the wise vision of Dubai’s leadership to institutionalize the envisioned future and forward-thinking methodologies, while positioning Dubai as the leading city of the future. In partnership with its local and global partners from governments, companies, startups, and entrepreneurs, DFF drives joint efforts to collectively imagine, design, and execute the best possible future for humanity.

Under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, the DFF runs and oversees many futureproofing projects and initiatives, such as the Museum of the Future, Area 2071, The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution UAE, Dubai Future Accelerators, One Million Arab Coders, Dubai Future Academy, Dubai Future Solutions, Dubai Future Labs, Dubai Future Forum, etc. DFF’s efforts to share knowledge, adopt innovation, support entrepreneurs and innovative startups, build capacity, and promote forward-thinking and foresight principles contribute to Dubai’s ambitions to be a role model for the cities of the future through the power of unlimited imagination, innovation, foresight and disruptive mindset.

For more information on the initiatives, projects, and programs of Dubai Future Foundation, please visit the website: www.dubaifuture.ae

Where does this role fit into the bigger picture?

The Futures, Foresight and Imagination strategic business unit focuses on achieving the Dubai Future Foundation’s objective to be recognized as a leader in innovation through delivering evidence-based research and driving cutting-edge thinking.

The Futures, Foresight and Imagination strategic business unit acts as the opinion-forming part of the business, underpinned by sound research that advances regional and international knowledge. This team leads the UAE’s affiliate Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in partnership with the World Economic Forum.

For a world in throes of the 4th Industrial Revolution, C4IR serves as a public-private platform for the collaborative development of frameworks that anticipate risks and accelerate the social benefits of technology. It creates governance frameworks and works with a multi-stakeholder community to refine and test them.

About the Role

As a Research Analyst within the C4IR team, you should be agile, thorough, practice due-diligence and be proactive about further developing your own expertise. You will join the team with at least one defined area of interest; whether that is AI or Internet of Things, and then actively work to research specific topics to broaden your field of expertise. You will lead research, create high-level content and contribute to positioning the Dubai Future Foundation and the UAE C4IR at the forefront of future innovation. You will also play a role in new project development, stakeholder management and communication & events.

Evidence – Based Research

• You are expected to proactively create research projects, writing and publish findings that contribute to your development as a thought leader and expert.
• You will have strong critical analysis skills and be able to evaluate existing research and articles to debate topics with an informed perspective.

Communication

• You will be expected to be aware of relevant trends and research in the field of technology.
• You will be participating in international meetings, calls, and be able to contribute your opinion based on sound evidence.
• You will be expected to aid in the delivery of workshops from content to speakers with the help of the team.

Third Party Relationships

• You will be expected to start developing external networks, bringing in new connections that will benefit the organisation, building relationships and a reputation for an evidence-informed perspective.

Why this role is important?

This role makes the biggest impact by being curious and dedicated to developing research within a broadening field of expertise. You will be fact-driven, structured and passionate about creating published research. This role has a key impact in pushing the boundaries and positioning the Dubai Future Foundation and the UAE C4IR as a Thought Leader both regionally and internationally.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific or technical field, with demonstrable expertise in a defined area of interest.
• Minimum 2–4 years of experience in a research-related role, preferably within a relevant scientific, technology, innovation, policy, or future-focused environment.
• Demonstrable research experience, with the ability to provide examples of previous work such as research papers, policies, articles, trend reports, white papers, consultancy reports, or similar outputs.
• Strong curiosity and commitment to staying informed of the latest trends, developments, and emerging topics within your area of expertise, both regionally and internationally.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively. Fluency in written and spoken Arabic is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, evidence-based work.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and take ownership of research assignments and deliverables.

What Dubai Future Foundation offers?

We will offer you a unique opportunity to work with passionate people, support shapers of the future as well as work that has an impact, not only on the organization or the UAE but all of humankind. You will have the chance to work on exciting and new projects, work in a highly diverse and fast paced environment that fosters creativity, disruptive ideas and innovation.