Shaping Tomorrow: Dubai Ushers in the 7 Wonders of Future Cities

On **World Cities Day 2025**, the skyline of **Dubai, UAE** didn’t just shine with architectural marvels — it signaled the dawn of a new era. **New7Wonders, the world's official authority for public voting to choose Wonders**, launched its boldest campaign yet: *The 7 Wonders of Future Cities*. This ambitious initiative calls upon the global community to discover and celebrate extraordinary urban developments that embody innovation, sustainability, and human progress.  

Following a soft launch earlier this month, the proposal and application phase is now officially open. Over the next twelve months, cities, districts, and visionary projects from every corner of the planet will present their achievements. These wonders-in-the-making reflect the perfect harmony between advanced technology, breathtaking design, and environmental responsibility.  

From Heritage to Horizon: A Global Call to Dream Bigger

Bernard Weber, President and Founder of **New7Wonders**, explained that *"The wonders of the future are being built now – in the choices, creativity and courage of today's urban visionaries."* His words capture the heartbeat of this global conversation. The campaign invites communities to ask: what makes a city truly “of the future”? The answer lies not only in skyscrapers and smart systems but in how innovation serves humanity’s deeper needs.  

Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director of **New7Wonders** and Chairman of the campaign, painted a vivid picture: future cities should dare to dream, design, and deliver a better balance between nature, community, and growth. This vision is set to unfold through public engagement — the same proven methodology that powered global votes for the New 7 Wonders of the World and the New 7 Wonders of Nature, campaigns that united millions and transformed economies.  

The Road Ahead: Voting for Tomorrow’s Icons

After the year-long proposal phase, the campaign takes its most exciting step — the **global voting** period, beginning on **31 October 2026**. From bustling megacities to quiet, innovative districts, the race will be fierce. In true New7Wonders style, it will be the public who decides which developments earn the coveted title of *Wonders of the Future*. The grand reveal awaits on **31 October 2027**, a date destined to become historic.  

Coordinated by **Global Platform Limited**, Dubai’s own worldwide licensing and commercial arm of **New7Wonders**, this campaign is more than a celebration of urban design; it’s a beacon for the world. The **Wonder Effect** — proven to create socio-economic, marketing, and educational growth worth hundreds of billions — could soon be shaping the skylines we’ve yet to see.  

-**In a world racing toward tomorrow, the 7 Wonders of Future Cities offer more than a list — they offer hope, creativity, and a shared vision for what humanity can build together.** 

Website: [www.7wondersfc.com](http://www.7wondersfc.com)  

Elevating Efficiency: Dematic’s Game-Changing Pallet Shuttle 4-Way Debuts in Dubai

 

Dubai Welcomes Next-Level Supply Chain Innovation

From **Dubai, UAE**, the heartbeat of global trade is about to pulse faster than ever. This November 4–6, 2025, the grand halls of the **Dubai World Trade Centre** will buzz with anticipation as **Dematic**, a celebrated global leader in intelligent supply chain automation, takes center stage at **Gulfood Manufacturing 2025**.  

Visitors heading to **Hall Za’abeel 2, Stand Z2-A73** will witness a dazzling lineup of advanced automation technologies that promise to reshape the way food and beverage manufacturers operate. Among these, one innovation shines brighter than the rest — the **Pallet Shuttle 4-Way system**. This breakthrough solution, meticulously designed for efficiency, flexibility, and increased storage capacity, is already transforming warehouses in the beverage, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors worldwide.  

Unpacking the Power of the Pallet Shuttle 4-Way

 

Imagine a warehouse where every inch of space serves a purpose, where pallets glide seamlessly across levels without a wasted second. With scalable high-density pallet racking and an impressive ability to transport unit loads of up to 2,000 kg, Dematic’s Pallet Shuttle 4-Way is more than just machinery — it’s a revolution in motion.  

Mithun Perinchery, Head of Sales – Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, captures the essence perfectly: in an age of tight land availability and high construction costs, businesses need to “do more with less.” This innovative system unlocks untapped vertical storage, boosts throughput, and eliminates the need for costly expansions or workforce increases. With multiple shuttles servicing each level, modular scalability, and adaptability for ambient, chilled, and freezer environments as cold as −25 °C, it’s a future-ready asset for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors.  

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Final Invitation: Be There to See the Future

If you’re ready to witness logistics innovation firsthand, make your way to **Gulfood Manufacturing 2025**. Visit **Dematic at Hall Za’abeel 2, Stand Z2–A73**, and experience how the **Pallet Shuttle 4-Way** can empower your operations. Because in the world of supply chain automation, the future isn’t coming — it’s already here in Dubai.   

From Oil Wealth to Knowledge Power: How Saudi Arabia Is Redefining Economic Sovereignty

  

The Rise of a Knowledge-Based Economy

In the heart of **RIYADH, Saudi Arabia**, a profound economic transformation is unfolding. As explored in the analytical article published in *Asharq Al-Awsat* titled *"How is Saudi Arabia Redefining Wealth and Economic Sovereignty?"*, writer Faisal Abu Zaki paints a vivid picture of a Kingdom steering away from its historical reliance on oil. Under *Saudi Vision 2030*, the shift to an economy driven by knowledge, advanced technology, and empowered citizens is more than an ambition — it is becoming a reality.  

This transition is visible in hard numbers. Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy now accounts for over 57% of GDP as of the first quarter of 2025. Furthermore, non-oil revenues surged from SAR 164 billion in 2015 to an impressive SAR 502 billion in 2024. These statistics are not merely milestones; they are proof of the success of strategic diversification policies implemented by the Ministry of Finance and its specialized centers. The Kingdom is cultivating wealth that extends beyond its natural resources, investing heavily in human capital, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and cutting-edge sectors like semiconductors.  

Sovereignty Through Strategic Vision

Economic sovereignty in today’s Saudi Arabia is about more than controlling resources. As Faisal Abu Zaki highlights, it is also about controlling the narrative of growth — making domestic financial decisions that strengthen long-term sustainability while remaining resilient to external market volatility. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) spearheads this approach, expanding into future-oriented industries that promise enduring prosperity.  

Meanwhile, the fiscal and financial policies guided by the Ministry of Finance and the National Debt Management Center (NDMC) provide a stable backbone for responsible growth. These measures ensure fiscal discipline and protect against economic shocks. This stability has had a tangible social impact: unemployment dropped to just 3.2%, while women’s participation in the workforce rose to over 36%. The Kingdom’s “new wealth” lies in its people — their skills, creativity, and innovation — forming the foundation of an economy built not on oil rent, but on intellectual capital and sustainable vision. 

Empowering a Financially Conscious Society

Communication & Financial Knowledge (Mutamem) recognizes the importance of public awareness in sustaining this transformation. By promoting financial literacy through its initiatives, the Center equips citizens with the tools to navigate and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s evolving economic landscape. This helps cement a culture of financial responsibility aligned with *Saudi Vision 2030*.  

Ultimately, the Kingdom’s journey showcases a remarkable blend of ambition and pragmatism. Through strategic investments, disciplined policies, and empowered citizens, Saudi Arabia is carving a distinctive path toward an economy rooted in knowledge production. In doing so, it sets a precedent for redefining wealth and economic sovereignty in the 21st century. 

[Comm. & Financial Knowledge Center](https://cfkc.gov.sa) – **@CFKC_KSA**