Bringing people together helps new ideas grow, and Abu Dhabi is getting ready to do exactly that. The Global AI Show Abu Dhabi will take place on 18 and 19 November 2026 at Space42 Arena, welcoming business leaders, founders, investors, researchers, and government teams for two days focused on practical uses of AI. It is a friendly event for anyone who wants to learn, share, and connect.
The Event at a Glance
Key details from the official event information:
- Dates: Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 November 2026
- Venue: Space42 Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Organiser: VAP Group, powered by TimesofAI
- Partners: the National Programme for AI as Supporting Partner, and Abu Dhabi as Destination Partner
- Expected numbers: more than 6,000 attendees, more than 150 speakers, more than 100 exhibitors and more than 150 media representatives
What the Global AI Show Abu Dhabi Covers
The programme covers agentic systems, generative AI, robotics, infrastructure and everyday business use. The agenda runs across two stages and is built around themed tracks, each opening with a keynote followed by a panel:
- Leadership: A keynote on leading in the age of intelligent infrastructure, followed by a panel on who gets access to computing power as AI capacity grows in importance
- Energy: A keynote on how AI supports smarter power grids and predictive operations
- Robotics: A keynote on physical AI, where intelligent machines move into the real world
- Government technology: A keynote on reimagining public service delivery through AI
Voices Worth Hearing
The line-up includes leaders from government and industry, among them Chief AI Officers from UAE organisations:
- Eng. Mozah Mohamed Alnuaimi, Chief AI Officer at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
- Omran Ahmed Ali Alshamsi, Chief AI Officer at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Joseph Nadi, Chief AI Officer at TAMM, part of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi
- Ahmed Khalifa Al Houqani, Chief AI Officer at the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority
Other listed speakers include H.E. Renat Bekturov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre in Kazakhstan, Dr Bushra AlBlooshi from the Dubai Electronic Security Center, and Dr Abdalla Sulaiman Alhammadi from the UAE Ministry of Justice. The panels also feature Dr Hakim Hacid of the Technology Innovation Institute, Nada Al Meqbali of ADNOC Group, and Mohamed Al Ali of Etihad.
The agenda also includes a thoughtful session called “Women in AI: Architecting the Future Talent Workforce,” which looks at skills, mentorship, and pathways for women to enter and lead in AI. Panelists include Dr Amina Abdulrahim of the American University of Sharjah and Latifa Saleh Alshehhi, Ambassador, Women in AI, UAE Government.
Who Will Be in the Room
Attendees at the Global AI Show Abu Dhabi come from many backgrounds. According to the organisers’ audience profile:
- 72 per cent are at C-level, director, VP, or founder level
- 38 per cent come from enterprises and corporates
- 26 per cent come from technology companies
- 9 per cent are from startups
- 8 per cent are from government and the public sector
Past sponsors and exhibitors have included Salesforce, Dell Technologies, Snowflake, Alibaba Cloud, Infosys and ElevenLabs.
Making Connections Easier
Good conversations matter as much as good talks. At the Global AI Show Abu Dhabi, the organisers highlight an AI-powered matchmaking app that helps attendees line up meetings with relevant partners, investors and clients before and after the event. A week of AI side events is also planned.
Pass Options
Three pass types are listed for the Global AI Show Abu Dhabi, with prices and availability that may change, so check the official website:
- VIP Pass: Listed at $999, with two-day access, the event app, VIP lounge access, and reserved seats
- Business Pass: Listed at $199, with two-day access, the event app, lunch and refreshments, and a business networking zone
- Standard Pass: Listed as free, with two-day access and the event app
Why the Global AI Show Abu Dhabi Deserves Appreciation
- It brings government, business, research and startup communities together in one place
- It gives Chief AI Officers a stage to share real, practical experience
- It offers a free pass option, which helps more people take part
- It links AI to everyday sectors such as energy, aviation and public services
Conclusion
The Global AI Show Abu Dhabi is a thoughtful chance to learn from people who are putting AI to work. From the keynotes and panels to the matchmaking app, the programme is built to help attendees leave with useful ideas and new connections.
If your organisation wants guidance on turning AI ideas into practical plans, Horizontal8 is here to help. Reach out to Horizontal8 today, and let’s talk about your next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the event take place?Â
It runs on 18 and 19 November 2026 at Space42 Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Who organises it?Â
It is organised by VAP Group and powered by TimesofAI.
What topics will be covered?Â
Topics include agentic systems, generative AI, robotics, infrastructure, and applied business use, across tracks such as leadership, energy, robotics, and government technology.
What types of passes are available?Â
The event page lists VIP, Business, and Standard passes, each with different access levels.
Who is expected to attend?Â
The organisers expect more than 6,000 attendees, with many at C-level, director, VP, or founder level.