Photo – courtesy of Dubai’s Museum ©
Dubai’s Museum of the Future (MOTF), the flagship initiative by Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), is set to make a groundbreaking debut at SXSW. From March 7 to 11, attendees will be immersed in a five-day experience focused on shaping the future through innovation, culture, and technology. Taking place at Dubai’s official SXSW headquarters—Museum of the Future House—at Third Street and Congress Avenue in Austin, TX, the event will present over 20 curated experiences, offering visitors a glimpse into Dubai’s evolution as a global innovation hub.
A seven-story architectural and cultural landmark, the Museum of the Future opened in 2022 to inspire forward-thinking conversations about the future of humanity. Partnering with Dubai Future Foundation, the museum is a key sponsor of SXSW’s 2050 conference track, leading discussions on lunar colonization, sustainable food systems, and artificial intelligence. Visitors can expect interactive workshops, outdoor activations, networking opportunities, and Middle Eastern narratives exploring the intersection of technology, nature, and human progress.
As a city that envisions the year 2071, Dubai aims to inspire global audiences with its innovative approach to technology, talent, and investment. At Museum of the Future House, attendees will experience a dynamic fusion of space, humanity, and nature, reflecting Dubai’s rapid rise as a pioneer in future-forward industries.
The pop-up museum exterior will feature striking Arabic calligraphy, while inside, visitors will enter a multi-sensory immersive space inspired by the natural world and beyond. Outside, an Emirati cultural showcase will include culinary experiences such as the viral Dubai chocolate bars by FIX Dessert Chocolatier and traditional chai-making demonstrations by Project Chaiwala.
A highlight of the experience is “Earth Dreams,” an AI-powered immersive artwork by Renowned Digital Visual Artist Refik Anadol. The installation transforms real environmental data into breathtaking visuals representing the three fundamental elements of air, land, and water. Using advanced machine learning, the artwork reimagines these elements in vibrant, dynamic colours, offering visitors a dreamlike exploration of nature’s hidden patterns. Originally unveiled at the Dubai Future Forum, this piece is also featured at the Museum of the Future in Dubai.
“SXSW has always been a place where big ideas come to life,” said Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of Museum of the Future. “We’re excited to bring Dubai’s unique perspective to Austin—bridging cultures, sparking conversations, and exploring how technology and innovation can drive meaningful change.”
SXSW attendees can expect thought-provoking discussions featuring visionary leaders across multiple industries. These conversations will offer perspectives that challenge conventional narratives, covering AI’s role in society, the future of filmmaking, and sustainable innovation.
In the Future of Food panel track, experts will explore revolutionary food systems that blend technology with cultural heritage and sustainability. One featured company, Solar Foods, harnesses solar energy to produce food, pushing the boundaries of sustainable consumption. These sessions will be badge-priority for SXSW attendees.
The event will feature an inspiring lineup of speakers, including:
Shawna Pandya – Canadian Astronaut
Hazza Al Mansouri – First Emirati Astronaut
Geci Karuri-Sebina – Author & Urban Scholar-Practitioner
Gianluca Chakra – Film Producer
With disruptive ideas, cutting-edge technology, and immersive experiences, Dubai’s Museum of the Future at SXSW 2024 is more than just an exhibition—it’s an invitation to imagine the possibilities of tomorrow.
