Dubai | 22 October 2026 | Crown Plaza Hotel – Deira

Introduction

Dubai is preparing to host AI leaders, technology innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and business decision-makers at the AINext Awards & Conference Dubai 2026, scheduled for 22 October 2026 at Crown Plaza Hotel – Deira. The one-day, in-person event will assemble professionals from across the global artificial intelligence ecosystem to examine the technologies, strategies and ideas shaping the next phase of AI adoption.

AINext Awards & Conference is a global platform dedicated to artificial intelligence, machine learning, data innovation and emerging technologies. The Dubai edition will combine keynote sessions, expert panel discussions, networking opportunities, industry engagement and the AINext Awards, which recognise individuals and organisations contributing to AI innovation and digital transformation.

A Message from the CEO

Anas Jawed, Founder and CEO of Next Business Media and Conference Chair of AINext Dubai 2026, said the event is designed to foster meaningful conversations around the practical, strategic and responsible deployment of artificial intelligence.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to real-world transformation. AINext Dubai 2026 brings together the leaders, builders, innovators and decision-makers shaping that journey. Our goal is to create a platform for practical insight, meaningful dialogue and collaboration around the opportunities and challenges that will define the next era of AI.”

AINext Dubai will draw participants from enterprise technology, AI services, financial markets, data, automation, digital transformation, communications and other sectors where artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly central to business strategy and operations.

Conference Agenda — 22 October 2026

The Dubai programme will concentrate on some of the most significant conversations shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Current agenda themes include AI ethics in a borderless world, generative AI and creative industries, AI-driven sustainability, the geopolitics of AI, quantum computing, responsible AI for financial inclusion, and AI and the future of work. These topics mirror wider debates across the industry, as organisations worldwide move from piloting AI systems to addressing the governance, workforce and regulatory questions that follow large-scale deployment.

The programme also features networking breaks designed to encourage direct engagement among delegates, speakers and industry leaders, concluding with the AINext Awards Ceremony, which recognises individuals and organisations driving innovation, leadership and measurable impact across the AI ecosystem.

Featured Speakers

The current Dubai speaker lineup brings together founders, CEOs, technology leaders, AI consultants and senior executives representing a broad range of industries and perspectives.

Featured speakers include Rokaya Karouri, Founder and CEO of Inkode Agency; Michelle Raymond, Founder and CEO of The People’s Partner; and Abir Bouguerra, Founder of SpeakEasyToo. The programme also includes Alexander Haywood, CEO of MetisJean, and Laura Estefanía, Founder and CEO of Conquista PR.

Samah Alafeef, Founder and CEO of Metanoia Training and Consulting, and Prasanna Walimbe, Founder of Prima Partners, contribute perspectives on leadership, innovation and business transformation. Prasanna is a deep-tech operator with more than 20 years of experience working at the intersection of AI, technology and business transformation.

The technology and AI transformation track also features Hamad Khalil Albishri, Founder of Techfy.ae; Bruno Calabretta, Co-Founder of SALTZ AI; Mohamed Saieed, Regional Director GCC at Datamellon; and Sebastian Marian, CEO and Founder of Foxsy AI.

Bruno Calabretta focuses on helping organisations identify high-value AI opportunities and automate business workflows with measurable operational outcomes. Mohamed Saieed brings experience as a business leader and strategist working at the intersection of AI, technology and digital transformation.

Rizwan Shaikh, Founder and CTO of Pristine InfoSolutions, offers expertise in information security, cybersecurity and technology consulting. Ankit Lathigara, AVP at Nasdaq, adds a financial markets and enterprise perspective, while Parul Yadav, Founder of North Wave Media, contributes expertise in communications and creative industries. The lineup is further strengthened by Adel Miran, Expert Board Member at The Universal Consulting Group.

Taken together, the lineup reflects the breadth of the Dubai programme, connecting technical innovation with enterprise transformation, responsible adoption, leadership, workforce development, communications and business impact.

AINext Dubai 2026: Connecting AI Innovation With Business Impact

What distinguishes the AINext Dubai programme is its focus on how artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation and becoming embedded in real-world business, policy and operational decisions.

The conference will examine AI through multiple dimensions: strategic adoption, ethics and governance, generative AI, sustainability, geopolitical competition, financial inclusion, quantum technologies and the future of work. Rather than treating technology in isolation, the programme is designed to connect emerging AI capabilities with the organisational, economic and societal questions surrounding their deployment.

Dubai offers a natural setting for this conversation, combining a globally connected business environment with leaders and innovators working across technology, finance, infrastructure, government and entrepreneurship. The United Arab Emirates has been an early mover in national AI policy, appointing the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in 2017 and launching the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which frames AI as a driver of the country’s economy and government services.

Networking, Awards and Industry Engagement

Beyond the conference sessions, AINext Dubai will give delegates opportunities to connect with peers, speakers, founders, technology leaders and decision-makers through dedicated networking moments and industry engagement.

The event will culminate in the AINext Awards Ceremony, recognising individuals and organisations making meaningful contributions to artificial intelligence, technology innovation and digital transformation.

Participants can also explore opportunities to take part as speakers, exhibitors, partners, thought leaders or award nominees, creating multiple ways for organisations and individuals to engage with the wider AINext community.

Event Details

• Event: AINext Awards & Conference Dubai 2026
• Date: 22 October 2026
• Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Venue: Crowne Plaza Dubai – Deira by IHG, Salah Al Din Street, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Format: In-person
• Organised by: Next Business Media

Join AINext Dubai 2026

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how organisations operate, compete and innovate, AINext Awards & Conference Dubai 2026 is positioned as a meeting point for leaders looking at what comes next.

From AI ethics and governance to generative AI, sustainability, financial inclusion, quantum computing and the future of work, the conference will bring together diverse perspectives around one of the most important technological transformations of the modern era.

Technology leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers and decision-makers are invited to join the conversation, connect with peers and take part in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

Official Event Website: dubai.ainextconference.com