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

About Dubai Future Foundation

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) was established to help turn Dubai’s leadership vision into a practical, future-focused reality. Through partnerships with government bodies, businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs, the foundation works to imagine, shape, and deliver impactful solutions for the future.

Operating under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DFF oversees a range of major future-oriented initiatives such as the Museum of the Future, Area 2071, the UAE Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Dubai Future Accelerators, One Million Arab Coders, Dubai Future Academy, Dubai Future Solutions, Dubai Future Labs, and Dubai Future Forum. Its mission is to spread knowledge, encourage innovation, strengthen capabilities, and advance foresight and forward-thinking so Dubai can serve as a model for the cities of tomorrow.

The Futures, Foresight and Imagination strategic business unit supports DFF’s ambition to be recognized as an innovation leader by producing evidence-led research and shaping advanced thinking. This team also leads the UAE affiliate Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in partnership with the World Economic Forum. The C4IR functions as a public-private platform that develops frameworks to anticipate risks and unlock the social value of technology, working with a broad multi-stakeholder network to refine and test these approaches.

Role Overview

As a Research Analyst in the C4IR team, you will be expected to work with energy, accuracy, and strong professional judgment. You should already have a clear area of interest, such as artificial intelligence or the Internet of Things, and then keep expanding your expertise through active research. Your work will help produce high-level content, support new initiatives, manage stakeholder relationships, and contribute to communication and events activity while strengthening the UAE C4IR and Dubai Future Foundation’s position as thought leaders in future-focused innovation.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for leading research work, developing and publishing findings, and contributing to the growth of your own subject-matter expertise.

You will assess existing studies, articles, and related materials with a critical mindset and use that evidence to support informed discussion on important topics.

You will stay updated on emerging trends and research in your area of focus, especially within technology and innovation.

You will participate in international meetings and calls and share well-supported opinions and insights.

You will support the planning and delivery of workshops, including help with content and speaker coordination.

You will begin building external networks and partnerships that strengthen the organization’s reputation and create value through evidence-based relationships.

You may also contribute to new project development, communication activities, and event-related work as needed.

Why This Role Matters

This position is ideal for someone who is intellectually curious, disciplined, and committed to producing meaningful research in a growing area of specialization. It plays an important part in helping DFF and the UAE C4IR expand influence, challenge boundaries, and strengthen their standing as regional and international thought leaders.

What the Organization Offers

You will have the opportunity to work alongside passionate professionals on initiatives that create real impact for the organization, the UAE, and beyond.

The role also offers exposure to innovative, high-impact projects in a fast-moving and diverse environment that encourages creativity, disruptive thinking, and continuous innovation.

Requirements

You should hold a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field and have demonstrable expertise in a relevant area.

You must bring at least 2 years of experience in a research-related position.

You should be able to share examples of prior research work, such as policy papers, articles, trend reports, or consultancy materials.

You need to stay current with the latest developments in your area of expertise at both regional and international levels.

You must be fluent in both written and spoken English and Arabic.

You should work well in a team and be capable of building strong professional relationships.

Strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and a consistent commitment to high-quality output are essential.