Great cities don’t happen by accident—they’re built by bold ideas, smart leaders, and the occasional stroke of luck (or well-timed coffee meeting). Think global, act local, and always leave room for a little serendipity—because sometimes the best solutions come from the most unexpected places. The future of cities isn’t just about technology or policy; it’s about bringing the right people to the table, asking the right questions, and maybe, just maybe, changing the world one conversation at a time. And if anyone knows how to bring cultures together, it’s Amy—an American with an Italian passport, a German name, a British son, and a home in Dubai. If cities need a global perspective, she’s already living it!

Building smarter cities isn’t about technology—it’s about understanding people, cultures, and why transport maps always make more sense in theory than in practice. Andrew knows that resilience and strategy are key to navigating complex challenges, whether in policy or urban innovation. He honed his skills working with the UK government and some of the world’s biggest tech giants, turning ambitious ideas into real-world solutions. After five years in Japan, he also learned that sometimes the best way to tackle challenges is to see things from a completely different perspective— like being a lifelong fan of Scottish football.

Some people dream about the future—Ross McWhirter prefers to build it. As Testbed Director at Expo City Dubai’s Urban Lab, he’s focused on turning big ideas into real-world urban solutions, making sure technology doesn’t just impress but actually improves lives. With a background in sociology and design, plus years working with advanced digital technologies, he’s always exploring how cities, people, and innovation interact. And as a Scot, he knows that progress isn’t always smooth—sometimes, you need to navigate a few bumps in the road (preferably not potholes).