The centerpiece of the first year of the Emirates-Aspen Partnership was the Emirates-Aspen Forum on Innovation in Abu Dhabi October 5-6, 2010. The Forum explored the elements and challenges of creating and sustaining a culture of innovation and creativity. Innovation is at the forefront of all sectors in the Emirates, as rapid advances in business, education, environment and the arts are establishing the UAE as a regional and international leader.  

The Emirates-Aspen Forum on Innovation was held at the renowned Emirates Palace Hotel on October 5 - 6, 2010. The Forum convened a group of innovation leaders from the US and UAE representing a range of fields – including energy, economy, technology, healthcare, and education – to engage in discussions that produce “big think” approaches to cultivating innovative and entrepreneurial societies.

The Forum explored leadership for an innovation economy, the big ideas and sectors that will drive the next wave of innovation, and the role of education in molding future innovators. The conference wrapped up with a session led by David Rothkopf, a leading expert in global transformational trends. Rothkopf engaged emerging Emirati leaders in an interactive discussion that challenged them to evaluate their national strategy through the lens of global trends.