Abu Dhabi will host a major global leadership summit in October as the emirate continues to build its role in business, technology and artificial intelligence.
The event will return to Abu Dhabi on October 21, 2026. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development will remain the host city partner for the next three years. The agreement gives the emirate a long term role in the event.
The summit will bring senior leaders together to discuss major issues facing the global economy. Artificial intelligence will be one of the key areas of focus. Other topics will include finance, markets, climate, geopolitics and business leadership.
The event comes at a time when Abu Dhabi is placing more focus on new industries. The emirate has been working to expand beyond oil and build growth in areas such as technology, finance and advanced industry.
Artificial intelligence is an important part of that plan. AI is changing the way companies work, from finance and health to manufacturing and data services. Gulf states are also investing heavily in digital systems and new technology.
The summit will give business and policy leaders a place to discuss these changes. It is expected to bring together senior executives, investors, technology leaders and government officials from different parts of the world.
The first edition of the summit was held in Abu Dhabi in 2025. It attracted more than 600 senior executives from more than 40 countries. The event also reached a large online audience, showing the level of interest in the Gulf’s changing role in the global economy.
The 2026 event is expected to be larger. Plans include more stages, executive meetings, strategy sessions and networking opportunities. These additions are designed to give leaders more time to discuss business and policy issues.
Artificial intelligence will be especially important as companies look for ways to use new tools in daily work. AI can help firms process data, improve services and make faster decisions. At the same time, it raises questions about jobs, safety, rules and the use of data.
Those issues are likely to form part of the wider discussion in Abu Dhabi. The emirate has invested in technology and research as it seeks to become a major centre for advanced industries.
The summit also comes as global markets face greater uncertainty. Trade risks, regional tensions and changing technology are forcing businesses to plan for a less stable world.
Abu Dhabi’s role as host gives the emirate a chance to place its economic plans before an international audience. It also supports the city’s effort to attract investment and build links with global companies.
The event will cover more than AI. Energy, climate and sustainability are also expected to feature. These areas are closely linked to the Gulf’s long term economic plans.
For Abu Dhabi, the summit is more than a business meeting. It is part of a wider effort to bring global decision makers to the emirate. It also highlights the city’s growing interest in technology and new forms of economic growth.
The October event will therefore be closely watched by investors, business leaders and technology experts. With AI moving at a fast pace, the discussions in Abu Dhabi could help shape how companies and governments approach the next stage of digital growth.
