The UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, is preparing to host an exceptional global event that brings together elite minds in technology. The “Machines Can Think 2026” summit will feature leaders from Nvidia, Meta, and Google, in a move that strengthens the country’s position as a global hub for artificial intelligence.
Article Contents:
- Introduction
- Summit Details and Participants
- UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy
- Summit Tracks and Key Topics
- Expected Economic Impact
- Role of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Polynome announced the organization of the latest edition of its flagship summit, “Machines Can Think 2026”, which will be held in Abu Dhabi on January 26 and 27, 2026, at the Park Hyatt Saadiyat Island hotel. The event will bring together more than 20 leading artificial intelligence researchers from over 12 countries, alongside senior executives from major global technology companies, to discuss the future of technology and its real-world applications that are reshaping industries and societies.
Summit Details and Participants
The summit will feature an intensive program comprising more than 50 keynotes and participation from multiple partners, including the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). It will also include over 10 hands-on workshops and immersive demonstration areas where attendees can directly interact with advanced artificial intelligence technologies and meet the innovative teams behind them. This summit follows the success of last year’s edition, which welcomed 3,500 participants from 82 countries.
UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy
The summit aligns perfectly with the UAE’s robust artificial intelligence infrastructure and its National Strategy for 2031. It reflects the country’s broader ambition to foster real-world artificial intelligence applications. Artificial intelligence is expected to add $100 billion to the UAE’s gross domestic product by 2030, while Abu Dhabi is building the world’s first AI-native government, highlighting the country’s rapid rise as a global center for innovation.
Summit Tracks and Key Topics
The program consists of three dedicated tracks: “Co-evolution”, “Technology”, and “C-Level”. These tracks address the human-AI interaction interface, technical breakthroughs, and responsible implementation strategies. Among the highlighted titles are: “The UAE Gateway: Building a National AI Fabric”, “Foundational Models and Infrastructure”, “AI for Life Sciences”, and computer vision topics under the banner “Machines Can See and Act”.
Thought leaders will take the stage throughout the program, including Michel Valckenaers, chief model officer at an artificial intelligence startup; Manohar Paluri, vice president of artificial intelligence at Meta; Andrey Doronichev, chief executive officer of Optic; Mark Hamilton, vice president of solution engineering at Nvidia; and Serge Belongie, director of the Pioneer Centre for Artificial Intelligence.
Expected Economic Impact
Alexander Khanin, founder and chief executive officer of Polynome, said: “The UAE is rapidly cementing its position as a global artificial intelligence powerhouse, supported by heavy investments from both the government and major tech players. In this environment, the (Machines Can Think) summits have become a catalyst for meaningful dialogue between creators and decision-makers. With artificial intelligence expected to contribute $320 billion to the region’s economy, our mission is to turn this potential into tangible progress.”
Role of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
Ivan Laptev, professor of computer vision at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and co-founder of the “Machines Can See” conference, added: “Abu Dhabi is rapidly bolstering its position as a hub for advanced artificial intelligence, and the Machines Can Think 2026 summit exemplifies this momentum by bringing together leading researchers and practitioners from around the world. The university remains focused on driving excellence in knowledge creation, transfer, and application.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: When and where will the summit be held?
Answer: It will be held on January 26 and 27, 2026, at the Park Hyatt Saadiyat Island hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Question: What is the significance of this event for the UAE?
Answer: The event supports the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and aims to boost the digital economy while attracting global investments and expertise.
Question: Who are the prominent speakers?
Answer: Senior officials and experts from global companies such as Meta, Nvidia, and Optic are participating, alongside researchers from the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.
