The Emirates Group’s annual innovation and technology forum, ForsaTEK, which has just wrapped up in Dubai, expanded its reach to drive greater innovation engagement across the Group’s different departments and businesses.
In 2025, the annual forum’s themes highlighted how AI, robotics and Internet of Things (IoT) will reshape aviation, in addition to the role human factors play in the successful adoption of technology.
ForsaTEK was officially opened by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
His Highness said: “Building on the success of the first two editions, ForsaTEK 2025 underpins the Emirates Group’s continued commitment to anchoring the next wave of innovations within our business, scaling up existing innovations, supporting startups, and creating a powerful testbed of partnerships that introduce fresh solutions and propel our digital future forward.
“The high impact showcases at every part of the innovation pipeline at ForsaTEK 2025 demonstrate how the Emirates Group is building an ecosystem to push new boundaries in AI, technology, research, and digital adoption.
“We hope all our teams and partners leave the event feeling inspired by tomorrow’s possibilities and determined to weave innovation, both big and small, into their everyday work lives.”
This year, ForsaTEK featured more than 40 in-house and partner showcases, strategically organised across the innovation pipeline spectrum, from early-stage research and prototyping to proof-of-concept trials, and fully launched initiatives being scaled up.
Fully launched initiatives included Transguard and Emirates Group Security’s advanced autonomous robotics to enhance urban safety and security; dnata Cargo’s autonomous drone system for inventory validation; dnata’s 3D prototyping and custom manufacturing of spare parts; Emirates Airport Services’ AI-enabled aircraft turnaround analysis and resource optimisation system, amongst other aviation and customer-centric innovations.
The Trial Zone included several accessibility initiatives including Glidance’s groundbreaking self-guided mobility aid enabling safe, independent navigation for the visually impaired; the JeffCAN immersive media chair, blending sensory design and technology to support and engage neurodiverse passengers; the Airbus Accessible and Inclusive cabin featuring a Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) lavatory and personal wheelchair onboard.
A pitch zone also featured 13 start-ups showcasing their ideas to a panel of VIPs, investors, and tech industry representatives. People and youth engagement areas within the Experience Zone were also activated to showcase innovation journeys and enhance visitor engagement.
The Emirates Group’s Afkar app was launched at the event. Afkar, which means ‘ideas’ in Arabic, is a company-wide digital platform that allows employees – wherever they work and whatever they do – to play their part in generating new ideas for implementation.
The winning concept was the automation of visa validation for customers, removing yet another source of friction for passengers during their travel journeys.
