Inaugural Futr World Middle East Event Announces Headliners
Three-day multi-genre festival to feature influential business leaders in December 2021.
The organizers of Futr World’s first-ever event in the Middle East, which will take place in Abu Dhabi from 9-11 December and will feature creative minds, innovators, business executives, and entrepreneurs, have unveiled the keynote speakers and brands that will be appearing at the Manarat Al Saadiyat event.
The three-day event is the result of a partnership between Retail Abu Dhabi, the retail platform of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), MP Singapore, and Futr Group. It will feature CEOs and founders from major brands, leading online influencers and award-winning international musicians.
“Futr World highlights our commitment to bringing innovation and globally significant events to the emirate,” said HE Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi. “Through strategic partnerships with global partners such as MP Singapore and the Futr Group, Abu Dhabi continues to expand its offering of unique and first-in-the-region experiences, further cementing its role as a global hub for business and entertainment.”
Ticket holders will be invited to look into the future with a program of immersive experiences, masterclasses, brand activations, and live performances. The event will be split into three pillars: Futr Summit, which will feature talks from entrepreneurs and successful business professionals; Futr Live, which is set to star engaging brand activations and welcome globally renowned influencers; and Futr Festival, which is set to burst into action with live sets from international music artists and DJs.
Keynote speeches will be given by Priceline.com Founder Jeff Hoffman, H&M’s Chief Technology Officer Alan Boehme, Harrods CEO/MD Michael Ward, and Brand Expert & John Lewis Deputy Chair Rita Clifton CBE; in addition to insights from Adidas, Tech Crunch, Electronic Arts, Kurt Geiger, Gymshark, Space NK, Puma, and more.
Finally, Futr Festival will offer music lovers a rare opportunity to see award-winning international musicians up close and personal, with only 500 exclusive seats available. Jamaican-born, London-bred star Alicai Harley, who has become recognized for her unique mix of pop, R’n’B, UK grime, and dance-hall beats, will take to the stage. She'll be joined by headline act WizKid, the Afrobeats star behind smash hits Essence, Joro, and Come Closer.
Over the three days, showcases will vary, from watching extreme sports displays with Red Bull’s BMX rider Viki Gomez and the UAE’s very own figure skating pioneer Zahra Lari, to makeovers from Ruuby - London's award-winning beauty delivering service - and a regional first documentary release by Vice Media. These showcases will be accompanied by networking sessions with representatives from international and local brands and retailers.
A selection of delicious artisan delights, served up in a cool street food style by the UAE’s most funky food vendors, will complete the experience.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing Go Safe Certification initiative will continue to apply global safety and cleanliness standards for Futr World Middle East, as well as for the emirate’s malls, hotels, attractions, restaurants, theme parks, and public venues.
