Khalid Ahmed Al Zarooni
Head of Innovation Center, Dubai Customs | Innovation & Future Foresight Leader | International Speaker | Moderator & MC | Film Producer | Storyteller
About the Speaker
Khalid Ahmed Al Zarooni is an Emirati innovation and future foresight leader, international speaker, and creative storyteller whose work sits at the intersection of government transformation, strategic innovation, and narrative-driven impact. In his official role at Dubai Customs, he leads high-impact innovation and future-focused initiatives, helping shape one of the region's most forward-looking public-sector institutions through foresight, emerging ideas, and strategic transformation.
He is known for translating complex ideas into compelling, practical conversations that resonate with executives, policymakers, innovators, and wider audiences. Khalid has spoken and hosted at major forums and innovation platforms, including Ideas UK Conference 2025, where his presentation on Future Foresight for Innovation was recognised among the event's standout sessions, as well as UAE Innovates 2025, where he helped lead the Future & Impactful Innovations Forum.
His experience spans innovation strategy, future readiness, public-sector excellence, creative communication, and institutional storytelling. He is a graduate of the Dubai Future Experts Program under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed and a Certified Foresight Influencer, and has played a central role in strengthening Dubai Customs' profile in innovation, foresight, and global excellence.
Beyond government, Khalid is also an award-winning film producer and producer of the short film 70 Rupees that won in the Cannes Film Festival, for which he was also recognised as Best Emirati Film Producer 2025. This rare blend of strategic leadership and creative presence gives him a distinct voice on stage, one that combines substance, originality, cultural relevance, and contemporary appeal.
Today, Khalid speaks on the future of innovation, foresight-led leadership, government transformation, strategic storytelling, and how institutions can build cultures that are more adaptive, human, and future-ready. He brings a style that is insightful, polished, and highly engaging, making him equally effective in boardrooms, leadership forums, innovation summits, and curated media or cultural events.
Khalid's profile bridges public sector leadership, future thinking, and creative influence making him a compelling voice for audiences seeking fresh, meaningful perspectives on innovation, impact, and the future of institutions and ideas.
Signature Topics
Future Foresight for Innovation
How organisations can use foresight not just to predict change, but to build smarter innovation pipelines, sharper strategic decisions, and greater long-term resilience.
Innovation Culture in Government and Beyond
What it takes to build innovation as a living culture inside institutions — from leadership mindset and governance to experimentation, engagement, and measurable impact.
Narrative Leadership: The Power of Story in Strategy
Why storytelling is no longer a soft skill but a strategic capability for leaders, brands, and institutions seeking influence, alignment, and emotional connection.
The Future-Ready Institution
A practical look at how organisations can strengthen future readiness through foresight, talent, adaptive strategy, and a culture that embraces change with confidence.
From Public Value to Cultural Impact
How leaders can move beyond operations and create work that resonates more widely — through innovation, identity, creativity, and meaningful public influence.
Industry Focus
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