Dr. Noah Raford

Managing Partner - Advisory & Special Projects

Dr. Noah Raford is a highly respected and accomplished futurist who currently leads the advisory practice at EMIR. He is widely recognised for his expertise in future studies, strategic foresight, innovation, and project management. With a wealth of experience and profound knowledge, Dr. Raford provides advisory services to clients across a broad range of topics, including emerging technologies, digital transformation, urban planning, sustainability, and geopolitics.

Dr. Raford’s impressive track record includes several global and regional firsts, such as his pivotal role in the world’s first fully functional 3D printed building and his contribution to the legalisation of cryptocurrency and blockchain in the MENA region. 

Prior to his current role, Dr. Raford held several key positions in the Government of Dubai, including the post of Futurist-in-Chief, founding executive of the Dubai Future Foundation and the Museum of the Future, and senior advisor to the UAE Prime Minister’s Office. During his tenure in Dubai, he led several ground breaking projects, including the Museum of the Future, the Dubai Global Blockchain Council, and the Dubai Future Accelerators.

Dr. Raford’s background in urban design and public policy, combined with his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), his MSc from the Bartlett School of Architecture, and his undergraduate degree from Brown University, gives him unique insights into the future of technology, society, and the economy. He has served as a member of the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, a Senior Research Fellow at the London School of Economics, a fellow at the Bartlett School of Architecture, and a member of the International Futures Forum.

As a strategist, Dr. Raford leverages his global network of experts and the latest research to provide clients with evidence-based insights that can help them achieve their goals. His expertise has helped businesses and governments understand the impact of climate change, geopolitical shifts, international relations, demographic change, social trends, economic developments, and technological disruptions that will shape human lives over the coming years.

With his impressive track record and extensive expertise, Dr. Noah Raford is a leading voice in the field of futurism. His ability to provide valuable insights and strategic guidance has made him a valuable asset to organisations seeking to stay ahead of the curve and navigate the complex challenges of the future.