Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025

Strategic outlooks The strategic outlooks in this report were developed by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF). For each selected technology, inputs included academic research literature, market analyses and an in-depth foresight analysis of key drivers and implications. The development process involved an initial assessment of each technology’s transformative potential, followed by a systematic analysis of cross-sector applications and implementation barriers. Parameters for evaluation included potential impact across economic, social and environmental dimensions, with particular attention to scaling requirements, governance implications and system-level changes. Each technology was also categorized according to its relationship with two of DFF’s megatrends framework categories to position these innovations within broader evolutionary patterns. This methodical approach ensures consistent evaluation across diverse technological domains. Explore the maps hereTransformation maps To complement this year’s report, transformation maps have been developed in partnership with Frontiers’ chief editors. These digital tools visualize how each technology connects to broader systems and global priorities. Hosted on the Forum’s Strategic Intelligence Platform, the maps illustrate intersection points between emerging technologies and related topics, providing curated content from trusted sources. They offer decision-makers a practical resource for exploring potential impacts, understanding cross-domain relationships and tracking ongoing developments. Example: Green nitrogen fixation transformation map FIGURE 2 Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025 8