As AI transforms jobs, Dubai's Museum of the Future is betting on human skills

Dubai: At a museum dedicated to imagining a world transformed by technology, Dubai's Museum of the Future is making an unexpected bet on its next chapter – people.

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly capable of answering questions, sharing information and guiding visitors, the museum believes some of the most important aspects of the visitor experience still require something technology cannot easily replicate – human connection.

“At the Museum of the Future, we believe technology can enhance the experience, while human connection gives it a deeper sense of meaning. As artificial intelligence becomes more capable, qualities such as empathy, imagination and the ability to build genuine relationships become even more valuable,” Azza Al Nuaimi, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Museum of the Future, told Gulf News.

Al Nuaimi explained that meaningful human interaction involves more than sharing knowledge.

“It is about understanding how someone feels, recognising what interests them and knowing how to make them feel included,” she said.

The Museum of the Future is preparing to reopen to visitors in the first quarter of 2027, coinciding with its fifth anniversary. The attraction closed to the public in September but continues to operate behind the scenes as preparations progress. An exact reopening date has yet to be announced.

According to Al Nuaimi, the museum is undergoing a significant transformation, with changes extending beyond its exhibitions.

“Preparations are well under way for the Museum's reopening in 2027. We are working on an entirely reimagined visitor experience, from the narrative and exhibitions to how visitors engage with the ideas presented. Our priority is ensuring that every element comes together to deliver an exceptional experience,” she said.

Visitors can expect new exhibitions, immersive environments and a renewed narrative exploring different possibilities for the future.

“We are also rethinking how people interact with the Museum, with greater emphasis on participation, conversation and meaningful engagement with the ideas and experiences presented. Our ambition is for visitors to do more than explore what the future might look like. We want them to consider how they can contribute to shaping it.”

As part of this transformation, the museum launched Future Perfects, an unconventional recruitment initiative for full-time visitor experience roles.

The campaign attracted more than 20,000 completed applications within its first 48 hours. Applications have since closed, and the museum is now shortlisting candidates.

Unlike conventional recruitment, the initiative places greater emphasis on candidates' ability to connect with people, demonstrate curiosity and respond creatively to unexpected situations, rather than relying primarily on academic qualifications or previous work experience.

“A CV can tell us where someone studied or worked, but it does not necessarily reveal how they connect with people, respond to unexpected situations or make complex ideas interesting. For Future Perfects, those qualities are essential.”

Al Nuaimi stressed that the approach does not mean dismissing qualifications or professional experience, but recognising that talent can take different forms.

“By looking beyond conventional recruitment criteria, we can discover individuals whose potential might otherwise be overlooked.”

Instead of relying solely on traditional interviews, the museum is using auditions and practical assessments to evaluate communication, adaptability, emotional intelligence and problem-solving.

“We want people who can demonstrate these capabilities, not simply describe them during an interview. The knowledge required for the role can then be developed through dedicated training.”

The selection process begins with a short video audition, followed by in-person assessments for shortlisted applicants and final auditions before a panel of experts.

Candidates are presented with practical scenarios inspired by real visitor interactions, such as responding to different visitor needs or adapting when circumstances unexpectedly change.

“This allows us to observe how they listen, collaborate, think and respond in real time. By focusing on behaviours relevant to the role, we aim to make assessments more meaningful and reduce reliance on first impressions.”

Reflecting on the overwhelming response, Al Nuaimi said: “The process has reinforced our belief that potential cannot always be defined by someone's previous job title or professional background.”

Successful candidates will join the museum's Visitor Experience team, taking on roles that combine the responsibilities of guides, storytellers and hosts.

Building on the work of existing teams, Future Perfects will focus on personalised interactions, helping visitors explore the museum's ideas and connect them to their own lives.

“Rather than simply explaining an exhibition, they will encourage questions, introduce new perspectives and make each interaction more engaging and meaningful.”

Selected candidates will also undergo dedicated training covering the museum's vision, its new narrative and the skills needed to engage visitors from different backgrounds.

Training will focus on storytelling, communication, active listening and adapting to different situations.

“We do not want Future Perfects to simply memorise information or follow a script. We want them to bring their own personalities, perspectives and creativity into the experience, helping make every visitor interaction feel authentic and relevant.”

Although Future Perfects was introduced ahead of the museum's reopening, Al Nuaimi believes the principles behind the initiative have wider implications for how organisations identify and develop talent.

“As the nature of work continues to evolve, organisations need to reconsider how they identify and develop talent. We believe that imagination, adaptability, emotional intelligence and the willingness to learn deserve greater recognition alongside traditional qualifications.”

For the Museum of the Future, the initiative represents an opportunity to explore recruitment approaches that better reflect the capabilities needed in a changing workplace, where human skills remain important even as technology advances.