DUBAI, 14 November 2026 (WAM) – The three winning teams of the second edition of the Future Council, organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), have showcased innovative projects that leverage artificial intelligence and space data to address real-world economic, government and societal challenges. The projects highlighted the initiative's role in turning creative ideas into promising business opportunities.

Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), members of the winning teams said the initiative provided an interactive environment that brings together individuals from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, enabling them to develop practical solutions and strengthening the role of young talent in supporting the national economy and harnessing advanced technologies to serve society.

The D100 team, representing Commercial Bank of Dubai, secured first place with an AI-powered digital platform designed to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges during the first 100 days of business operations. The platform provides a comprehensive roadmap for managing operational, financial and administrative requirements following the issuance of a trade licence.

Team representatives explained that the idea emerged in response to a challenge presented by Commercial Bank of Dubai concerning the difficulties faced by newly established businesses, some of which struggle to remain operational and eventually close their bank accounts. The platform uses business data, including revenues, expenses, cash flows and capital burn rates, to generate indicators that help entrepreneurs assess their financial positions and identify potential risks at an early stage. It also provides daily notifications on government, banking and tax procedures, deadlines and regulatory requirements.

The team said the project seeks to build an integrated ecosystem in cooperation with banks, universities, government entities and free zones, giving entrepreneurs access to personalised services, and could facilitate access to financing by providing documented records of startups' financial and operational performance. Team members said the win motivates them to turn the prototype developed during the programme into a practical product, with the aim of supporting the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises and contributing to job creation. The D100 team comprised Maryam, Ousha Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Mohammed Obaid bin Jarash, Ahmed Shahin Khalisdar, Mohammed Ashraf and Lucija Coga.

The Polaris team, representing the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), took second place with a project aimed at maximising the value of satellite data generated by the centre and transforming it into information tailored to the specific requirements and operational needs of government entities and private sector organisations. The approach would support data-driven decision-making, expand the practical applications of satellite data across sectors and enhance the utilisation of the UAE's advanced space and technological capabilities. The Polaris team comprised Vibhank Mehra, Raed Al Oqouli, Saif Mubarak, Sheikha Naji Al Zaabi, Hassan Khalid, Khalid Al Sabahi and Khalifa Masoud Al Otaiba.

Third place went to the Azwa team, representing Dubai Courts, with a smart digital platform designed to facilitate access to government services for People of Determination and senior citizens, enabling them to complete transactions independently through artificial intelligence and interactive tools tailored to their individual needs.

Engineer Amal Ibrahim Al Marzouqi, a member of the Azwa team, told WAM that the project was inspired by the challenges People of Determination and senior citizens face when using digital applications and understanding legal and government procedures. It initially focuses on Dubai Courts services, with plans to expand to other government entities in the future.

Al Marzouqi said the platform includes four innovative initiatives: an AI-powered Smart Lawyer, a Smart Legal Advisor, a Smart Translator capable of translating languages and local dialects into written text in different languages, and an AI feature that converts sign language into Arabic text. The platform also proposes voice-enabled features that allow users to ask questions and receive guidance without typing, and helps senior citizens follow up on notifications related to legal cases and financial obligations.

She noted that one of the team's main challenges was identifying the varying needs of People of Determination and senior citizens across different government entities. The team aims to expand the project across the UAE, with future ambitions to reach regional and international markets, she said, adding that Azwa's core mission is to empower People of Determination and senior citizens to live independently and participate fully in Emirati society. The Azwa team comprised Alyaa Essa Ali Bolehyool, Fatma Nasser Al Baloushi, Engineer Amal Ibrahim Al Marzouqi and Mahra Rashed Al Shamsi.

Participants said the Future Council gave them the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams, benefit from the expertise of mentors and representatives of government and private sector organisations, and turn real-world challenges into innovative business concepts.

The second edition of the initiative, held from 10 to 12 November at the Dubai Entrepreneurs Hub, brought together 50 participants in nine teams, who presented their solutions to a specialised judging panel. The three winning teams received cash prizes. The initiative forms part of Dubai SME's ongoing efforts to empower entrepreneurial talent, strengthen Dubai's innovation ecosystem and support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

(Source: WAM.ae)