Dubai AI Festival

Dubai AI Festival 2026: The Premier Global Hub for Artificial Intelligence & Tech Innovation

Dubai continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading technology and innovation hubs, and Dubai AI Festival 2026 is set to bring global artificial intelligence leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and technology companies together in the UAE.

The Dubai AI Festival 2026 will take place on 26-27 October 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The event is designed to connect businesses and decision-makers with the rapidly evolving global AI ecosystem while exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming industries, governments and economies.

Organized by the Dubai AI Campus, the festival operates under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE.

For professionals searching for an AI conference in Dubai, the event offers a combination of conference sessions, exhibitions, startup showcases, networking opportunities, and discussions around the future of artificial intelligence.

What Is Dubai AI Festival?

Dubai AI Festival is positioned as a global business and technology platform focused on the commercial, economic and societal impact of artificial intelligence.

Rather than focusing exclusively on technical AI development, the festival brings together different parts of the AI ecosystem, including:

• Business leaders
• Government representatives
• AI technology companies
• Investors
• Entrepreneurs
• Startups and scale-ups
• Technology executives
• Researchers and innovators
• Policymakers
• Enterprise decision-makers

The event’s objective is to facilitate business connections, partnerships, investment opportunities, and discussions about the practical implementation of AI across industries.

Dubai AI Festival 2026: Event Details at a Glance

Why Dubai Is Becoming a Global AI Hub

Dubai has invested heavily in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, smart-city technologies and emerging technologies.

The city’s AI ambitions extend across government, finance, real estate, transportation, healthcare, education, retail and other major economic sectors.

The wider UAE ecosystem is also increasingly focused on AI infrastructure, regulation, talent development and enterprise adoption.

A significant example is the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which announced in April 2026 its ambition to become the world’s first AI-native financial centre. DIFC said its initiative would integrate AI into legal frameworks, the business environment, talent development, ecosystem infrastructure, and the physical environment.

This broader transformation provides an important backdrop for Dubai AI Festival 2026.

Key Themes at Dubai AI Festival 2026

The festival’s 2026 program covers a wide range of topics connected to the development and adoption of artificial intelligence.

1. AI for All

AI is increasingly moving beyond specialist technology departments and becoming part of everyday business and government operations.

The festival will examine how artificial intelligence can become more accessible and useful across industries and communities.

2. Global AI Governance

As AI becomes more powerful, governments and businesses face questions surrounding regulation, safety, transparency and responsible development.

The Dubai AI Festival program includes discussions about global AI governance and who should establish the rules governing artificial intelligence.

3. AI Innovation and Ethics

The rapid development of generative AI and autonomous systems has increased the importance of responsible AI.

Sessions will explore how businesses can balance technological innovation with ethical considerations, trust and accountability.

4. Future of Work

Artificial intelligence is changing how organizations recruit, train and manage employees.

The festival will explore the relationship between AI, automation, human skills and the future workforce, making this particularly relevant to business leaders and HR professionals.

5. AI Infrastructure and Investment

Developing sophisticated AI systems requires significant computing infrastructure, investment and access to advanced technology.

Dubai AI Festival will examine how investment and infrastructure can support long-term AI development and commercialization.

6. AI Literacy

AI adoption requires more than advanced technology. Businesses also need employees and leaders who understand how to use AI effectively.

AI literacy is therefore another important theme of the 2026 festival.

Dubai AI Festival 2026 Agenda

The 2026 program features multiple stages and formats, including the Plenary Stage, Innovation Stage, workshops, and roundtables.

Topics appearing in the agenda include:

• AI governance
• AI in banking and financial services
• AI infrastructure
• Autonomous transportation
• AI and life sciences
• Generative AI
• Green AI
• AI and sustainability
• AI in government
• AI-first cities
• AI and cybersecurity
• AI regulation
• AI investment
• AI and the future of work
• AI in media
• AI and global economic development

One particularly relevant theme for Dubai is “AI-First Cities”, examining how cities can be redesigned through artificial intelligence, with Dubai positioned as an important example.

Speakers at Dubai AI Festival 2026

Dubai AI Festival is bringing together senior figures from technology, finance, government, academia and business.

The 2026 speaker lineup includes executives and leaders associated with organizations such as DIFC, Dubai Data & Statistics Establishment, Microsoft, SAP, Qualcomm, Oracle, Property Finder, DHL Global Forwarding, Al-Futtaim, DFINITY Foundation and other international organizations.

Among the listed speakers are:

H.E. Essa Kazim
Governor
DIFC

H.E. Salem Humaid Al Marri
Director General
Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre

H.E. Qubad Talabani
Deputy Prime Minister
Kurdistan Regional Government

Mati Staniszewski
Co-Founder & CEO
ElevenLabs

H.E. Younus Al Nasser
Chief Executive Officer
Digital Dubai

H.E. Arif Amiri
Chief Executive Officer
DIFC

Jason Warner
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Poolside

Sanjog Gupta
Chief Executive Officer
International Cricket Council

Arvind Jain
Chief Executive Officer
Glean

Prof. Moran Cerf
Professor of Neuroscience and Business
Columbia University

H.E. Ambassador Philip Thigo, MBS
Special Envoy on Technology
Office of the President of Kenya

Alex Aliper
Co-Founder & President
Insilico Medicine

H.E. Mario Nobile
Director General
Agency for Digital Italy

Rashid Alabbar
Chairman
Nshama Properties

Dr Marwan Al Zarouni
Chief Executive Officer
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism

Fabrizio Del Maffeo
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Axelera AI

Matthew Fitzpatrick
Chief Executive Officer
Invisible Technologies

Anis Harb
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Algebra AI

Matthew White
Global Chief Technology Officer of AI
Linux Foundation

Mayank Kumar
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Borderplus & UpGrad

Joseph Ziolkowski
Founder & Global Chief Executive Officer
Relm Insurance

Amna Al Owais
Deputy Director
DIFC Courts

Husni Khuffash
Managing Director, Middle East & Africa
Positron AI

Mohamed Sadawy
Group Chief Information Officer
Bukhatir Group

Reda Nidhakou
Chief Executive Officer
VentureOne

Dr. Hakim Hacid
Chief Researcher – AI and Digital Science Center
Technology Innovation Institute

Naorus Abdulghani
Global Chief Technology Officer
Beyond ONE

Dr. Nora Dihel
Senior Trade Economist
World Bank

Athmane Benzerroug
Chief Strategy
ADNOC

H.E. Dr. Amin Al Ameeri
Assistant Undersecretary
UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention

Ahshad Jussawala
Chief Executive Officer
Jio Haptik

Ahmed Docrat
Vice President – Digital Transformation
Saudi Tourism Authority

Rikant Pittie
Co-Founder & CEO
EaseMyTrip

Karin Immenroth
Global Chief Data Officer
Mediaplus Germany GmbH & Co. KG

Rizwan Tufail
Group Chief Data Officer
PureHealth

Tobias Maier
Chief Executive Officer, Middle East & Africa
DHL Global Forwarding

Himanshu Shrivastava
Group Chief Technology Officer
Al-Futtaim

H.E. Claudia Pinto
Head of Philanthropy & Sustainability Advisor
HH Sheikh Marwan bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Vinay Nadig
Chief Executive Officer
SimplifyX

Fatiha Chikh
Co-Founder
LeLab Plus

Cihangir Kocak
Director of Business & AI Strategist
HP

Greg Ombach
Senior Vice President
Airbus

Dr. Sara Alshaya
Director Data & Statistics
Emirates Health Services

Xi Liang
Chief AI Officer
Mashreq

Simon Sharp
Senior Partner
Global Ventures

What Can Visitors Expect at Dubai AI Festival?

The event goes beyond traditional conference presentations.

Visitors can participate in several different experiences, including:

Conference Sessions

Keynotes, presentations, interviews, and panel discussions provide insights into current and emerging AI technologies.

Innovation Stage

The Innovation Stage is designed around technology leaders, innovators, and strategic thinkers discussing the future of AI.

AI Exhibition

The exhibition provides an opportunity to discover AI technologies and solutions from regional and international companies.

Startup Zone

Startups and scale-ups can showcase AI products, meet investors, and establish connections with potential customers and partners.

FutureTech World Cup

The FutureTech World Cup gives startups an opportunity to present AI solutions to a jury, compete for recognition, and potentially connect with investors and industry leaders.

Workshops and Roundtables

Smaller sessions provide opportunities for more focused conversations around AI implementation, technology, and business challenges.

Business Networking

Networking is a major component of the festival, connecting attendees with executives, entrepreneurs, investors, technology companies, and potential business partners.

Who Should Attend Dubai AI Festival 2026?

The event is particularly relevant for professionals and organizations looking to understand or implement artificial intelligence.

Potential attendees include:

• CEOs and founders
• CIOs and CTOs
• Digital transformation leaders
• AI professionals
• Technology executives
• Government officials
• Investors and venture capitalists
• Startup founders
• Entrepreneurs
• Marketing professionals
• Financial services professionals
• Healthcare technology professionals
• Real estate technology companies
• Researchers and academics
• Students and technology enthusiasts

For companies operating in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, the event can also provide an opportunity to understand how AI adoption could influence their industries.

Dubai AI Festival 2026 for Startups and Investors

Dubai’s growing startup ecosystem makes AI entrepreneurship an important part of the festival.

The event’s startup programming gives emerging companies an opportunity to demonstrate technology, generate exposure and connect with potential investors and strategic partners.

The festival also promotes interaction between startups, venture capital firms and established enterprises.

For investors, this creates an environment for discovering emerging AI companies and technologies across sectors including fintech, healthcare, mobility, enterprise software, cybersecurity and other areas.

Why Businesses in Dubai Should Pay Attention to AI

Artificial intelligence is becoming an important component of digital transformation in the UAE.

For Dubai businesses, AI can potentially support:

• Customer service automation
• Predictive analytics
• Marketing personalization
• Lead generation
• Sales automation
• Content creation
• Business intelligence
• Fraud detection
• Process automation
• Cybersecurity
• Customer experience
• Data analysis
• Operational efficiency

The opportunity is particularly significant for companies that already have substantial digital infrastructure and data.

However, successful AI adoption requires more than simply purchasing an AI tool. Organizations need suitable data, processes, governance, cybersecurity and employees capable of using AI effectively.

This is why discussions around AI governance, AI literacy, infrastructure and responsible AI are increasingly important.

Dubai AI Festival and the UAE’s Digital Future

The growth of artificial intelligence in Dubai is part of a broader UAE strategy focused on digital transformation and emerging technologies.

The country has increasingly positioned itself as a destination for technology companies, entrepreneurs, investors and researchers.

Dubai AI Festival contributes to this ecosystem by bringing international AI stakeholders together in Dubai.

The event’s focus on AI investment, infrastructure, governance, enterprise adoption and innovation reflects the transition of artificial intelligence from an emerging technology into a core business and economic priority.

Dubai World Trade Centre: Venue for Dubai AI Festival 2026

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is one of the UAE’s most important venues for international conferences, exhibitions and business events.

Located in central Dubai, DWTC provides convenient access to the city’s business districts, hotels, restaurants and transportation networks.

Its location also makes the Dubai AI Festival accessible to visitors traveling from across the UAE and internationally.

For international delegates, Dubai’s position between Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East makes it particularly attractive as a meeting point for global technology businesses.

How to Register for Dubai AI Festival 2026

Registration for Dubai AI Festival 2026 is available through the official event website.

The event currently lists several pass options, including an Event Pass, Premium Networking Pass, Guest Pass and Investor Pass. The official registration page lists the standard Event Pass at US$50, while Guest and Investor passes are application-based.

Register for Dubai AI Festival 2026

Because event dates, ticket availability and program details can change, visitors should check the official Dubai AI Festival website before making travel or attendance arrangements.

Dubai AI Festival 2026: A Meeting Point for AI, Business and Innovation

The Dubai AI Festival 2026 is more than another technology conference in the UAE. It reflects Dubai’s ambition to become a major global center for artificial intelligence, digital transformation and technology-driven business.

With its combination of international speakers, AI startups, investors, government representatives, technology companies, exhibitions and business networking, the festival offers a platform for understanding where artificial intelligence is heading, and how organizations can participate in that transformation.

For technology professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and businesses searching for AI events in Dubai in 2026, Dubai AI Festival on 26-27 October 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre is an event worth following.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Dubai AI Festival 2026