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Writer's pictureGayané Grigoryan

Fluid Future: reflections from Dubai Future Forum

The future, I believe, is destined to remain fluid – a constant state of change, evolution, and adaptation.


Recently, I attended the Dubai Future Forum, diving into ideas about the future bionic beings, synthetic biology and many other got me thinking. It made me realize how the old ways of doing things just don't work anymore, and we're in a phase where new norms haven't settled yet, and maybe they won't be as structured as before.


The main problem is attaching too rigidly to the "business as usual" way. Even if we create new models, holding onto them leads to the same issues. That's why I believe the future will always be fluid – always changing, evolving, and adapting. It's a limitless future that we can't define but can only imagine.

As someone who likes structure, this idea made me uneasy. How can there be no clear future, no definite signs of stability or success?


At the Dubai Future Forum, I looked for certainty – clear models, frameworks, and approaches toward the future. But I found none. Instead, I discovered the importance of accepting the fluidity of the future.

Trying to ground it in a planed strategic approach or learn from past successes won't work. The only way forward is accepting the constant change and using real-time strategic planning. It means keeping an open mind, using super agile approaches, and not holding onto the past or present. It's about leading with the mindset that change is the only constant.


In a world full of uncertainties, the key is not to fight the fluidity but to navigate it smartly. The Dubai Future Forum pushed us to move away from structured plans and towards a dynamic, ever-changing future. Embracing the fluidity isn't just a choice – it's a necessity, unlocking innovation and resilience in the unpredictable times ahead.


Key Takeaways for Navigating Fluid Futures:

  1. Embrace Change: Accept that the future is ever-changing, and trying to hold onto static plans can lead to setbacks. Embrace the fluidity and make peace with the constant evolution.

  2. Real-Time Adaptation: Rigid strategies are no longer effective. Opt for real-time strategic planning, keeping an open mind and utilizing agile approaches to navigate the uncertainties of a dynamic future.

  3. Let Go of the Past: Avoid attachments to past methods or current states. Successful navigation of fluid futures requires leaders to operate with the mindset that the only constant is change. Be willing to let go of outdated practices for more agile and innovative approaches.





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