This prediction builds on existing developments in neural technology, notably Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which has already implanted brain chips into patients with spinal cord injuries. However, Belhoul expects that trials will soon expand to include healthy individuals, suggesting this technology could redefine human-machine connections.
While the possibilities are exciting, Belhoul acknowledged the ethical and philosophical questions such advancements raise, including the blurred line between human and machine and what it means to be human in a world where the brain and technology are more integrated.
In addition to discussing brain implants, Belhoul highlighted other technological shifts he foresees, including the appointment of the first AI board member at a Fortune 500 company in the next year. He pointed out the growing role of AI in various fields, from diagnosing diseases to driving cars and creating art, and posed questions about whether AI could truly possess vision and purpose in leadership roles or if its function would remain confined to optimizing efficiency.
Belhoul also discussed advancements in healthcare, particularly the expansion of genome banks, which could soon contain one million samples globally. This, he explained, would mark a major step toward personalized healthcare, where diseases could potentially be anticipated and prevented before they develop. However, he cautioned that such advancements would also raise significant ethical questions regarding the responsible use of this powerful genetic data.
The Dubai Future Forum gathered over 2,500 futurists from more than 100 countries to discuss a range of forward-thinking topics, including AI, healthcare, and longevity. As the world stands on the brink of transformative changes, Belhoul’s remarks underscore the complexity and promise of the future, urging careful consideration of the impact of technology on society.
