Remarkable achievements and results across knowledge generation and dissemination pathways

Government

Remarkable achievements and results across knowledge generation and dissemination pathways

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) marked another year of significant progress in 2025, recording notable achievements across knowledge generation, development, and dissemination. Through the launch of new flagship initiatives and the expansion of existing innovative programs, MBRF reinforced its mission to build sustainable, knowledge-based communities driven by science and innovation, while strengthening the UAE’s position as a leading global knowledge hub.

Among the Foundation’s most prominent milestones was the 10th edition of the Knowledge Summit, organized in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the theme “Knowledge Markets: Developing Sustainable Communities.” The Summit attracted more than 35,000 participants both in person and virtually, bringing together global knowledge leaders, policymakers, academics, and thought pioneers. A total of 58 sessions were delivered by over 200 speakers, with the participation of 14 international organizations. Discussions focused on the future of knowledge and its role in advancing sustainable development, further positioning Dubai and the UAE as international centers for innovation and knowledge creation.

During the Summit, MBRF unveiled the 2025 Global Knowledge Index (GKI), which covered 195 countries and introduced major enhancements to its structure and statistical methodologies. These included refined weighting standards and new indicators measuring future readiness in areas such as information and communications technology, governance, the environment, and society. The updated framework aims to provide governments with deeper, more accurate, and internationally comparable data to support evidence-based policymaking.

MBRF’s Digital Knowledge Hub (DKH) continued to strengthen its role as a leading global knowledge platform, reaching nearly 4.9 million users in 2025. The platform’s content exceeded 19 million digital materials across more than 1.2 million titles and recorded over 85 million views, reflecting growing global trust in the platform and its contribution to expanding digital access to knowledge.

The Foundation also hosted a two-day Arab Awards Forum in Dubai under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award (MBRKA). The Forum brought together representatives from 35 prestigious Arab awards, alongside thought leaders and experts in knowledge and science, in line with MBRF’s efforts to promote intellectual creativity and enhance collaboration among Arab knowledge institutions.

Youth empowerment remained a key focus through the Youth Knowledge Forum (YKF). The third edition, held in Morocco in collaboration with UNDP and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) under the theme “Knowledge Is the Future,” attracted wide engagement, reaching more than two million followers over two days. The fourth edition was later held in Egypt, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports at Cairo University Theatre, drawing senior officials, youth leaders, and experts to discuss the knowledge economy, human development, and mechanisms to support knowledge-based growth.

The Future Skills Academy recorded strong growth, reflecting rising demand across the Arab world for digital and professional skills. Nearly 22,000 learners completed more than 209,000 learning hours and over 2.6 million assessments. Educational content achieved more than 5.2 million video views, while learning materials were accessed over 3.3 million times. Key programs included AI Engineer 1, Data Analyst Level 1, and Entrepreneurship, with machine learning, data analysis, and entrepreneurship strategy emerging as the most in-demand skills. These efforts support the Academy’s goal of empowering 10 million learners across the Arab region by 2030.

The Dubai International Program for Writing (DIPW) also expanded significantly in 2025. More than 60,000 books were distributed through the “My Family Is Reading” initiative, covering a wide range of genres. The program received over 800 applications, selecting 85 trainees for specialized schemes, and produced six new publications by emerging authors. DIPW activities extended to six countries and benefited more than 15,000 participants through workshops, dialogue sessions, and reading circles, with participation from over 80 authors. The program also strengthened its international presence through participation in major book fairs in Frankfurt, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

On the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80), MBRF hosted a high-level conference at UN headquarters in partnership with UNDP and the UAE Permanent Mission to the UN. The event highlighted the importance of knowledge tools and monitoring indices in accelerating progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, with a focus on future skills as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable development.

The Knowledge Lounge initiative continued to promote reading and intellectual exchange, hosting around 215 in-person and virtual sessions in 2025. These included discussions on 180 books, training workshops, and cultural events, attracting nearly 3,200 participants and featuring 56 authors, including 18 Emirati writers. The initiative expanded to 13 cities across six countries and established partnerships with more than 10 knowledge-based entities.

In support of the Arabic language, MBRF organized the 13th edition of the “Bil Arabi” initiative across nine shopping malls in the UAE, alongside parallel events in Bahrain, Egypt, and Pakistan. The initiative attracted more than 12,000 visitors, with millions more engaging online. MBRF also launched the official Bil Arabi website, featuring a comprehensive digital library of Arabic books, references, and translations, reinforcing the presence of Arabic content in the digital space and supporting its long-term sustainability.