In The Spotlight
Global energy security, industrial development, and critical capital deployment will take centre stage this November as Abu Dhabi hosts ADIPEC 2026.
ADIPEC 2026: Global energy security takes centre stage
Global energy security, industrial development, and critical capital deployment will take centre stage this November as Abu Dhabi hosts ADIPEC 2026.
Running from 2 to 5 November, the world’s benchmark energy gathering convenes against an increasingly volatile economic and geopolitical backdrop, where securing reliable supply whilst scaling future power systems has become a pressing international imperative.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and hosted by ADNOC, the event will welcome an unprecedented gathering of ministers, executives, and technical pioneers to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Surging international interest has prompted organisers to relocate the Opening Ceremony to the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, unlocking vital additional capacity across ADNEC’s 16 exhibition halls and four specialised industry zones.
Scale, Reach, and Strategic Alignment
As the Middle East reinforces its long-standing role as a cornerstone of world energy supply, ADIPEC 2026 connects regional industrial capability with global capital and technological innovation:
- Attendance: An anticipated 239,000 attendees travelling from more than 170 nations.
- Exhibition: Over 2,250 exhibiting organisations, alongside 30 dedicated country pavilions.
- Knowledge Exchange: More than 1,800 expert speakers across 13 conference programmes and 380 strategic sessions.
Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy, Chair of ADIPEC, noted: "This year’s ADIPEC comes at a defining moment for the global energy industry. We face the challenge of a more disrupted and exposed system, meeting a more energy intensive economy. But, while shocks and conflicts disrupt the system, the world needs more energy, in more forms, delivered more reliably to meet rising demand. And we need the investment, advanced technology and partnerships to make that happen. That is the agenda for action at ADIPEC 2026."
He added: "The continued growth of ADIPEC also reflects confidence in Abu Dhabi as a trusted destination for business, investment and international engagement. At a time when uncertainty is creating challenges across markets, bringing people together to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships build partnerships and conduct business has never been more important."
Unlocking Cross-Border Capital and Security
Addressing sustained infrastructure investment is vital to maintaining operational resilience. Through state-backed entities including ADNOC, XRG, Masdar, TAQA, and Mubadala Energy, the UAE continues to extend its international footprint across natural gas, chemicals, renewables, and core transport infrastructure.
Mohamed Al Aryani, President, International Gas at XRG, explained: "Building secure, resilient energy systems takes more than capital. It requires partnerships that connect resources, infrastructure and customers across markets and geographies. At XRG, we bring financial discipline, long-term capital and deep energy expertise to investments across gas, chemicals and energy infrastructure, working alongside experienced local and international partners. That is why ADIPEC is more important than ever as a forum for the industry to unlock investment and forge the partnerships needed to strengthen energy security and support global growth."
Major global corporations—including Shell, bp, TotalEnergies, Eni, Equinor, SLB, Baker Hughes, Siemens Energy, and GE Vernova—will also participate to forge crucial cross-sector alliances.
Commercial Deployment of Advanced Technology
Beyond macroeconomic policy, practical execution will dominate the trade floor. ADIPEC’s expanded AI Zone, co-hosted by AIQ, demonstrates the commercial implementation of robotics, machine intelligence, and automation across downstream and upstream operations. Key participants—including Honeywell, EY, Gecko Robotics, Stone Ridge Technology, and Sinaha—will highlight applications ranging from reservoir modelling and subsea robotics to autonomous facility inspections and predictive power-grid management.
Thomas Löffler, Executive Vice President, dmg events, stated: "ADIPEC brings together a unique combination of energy producers, investors, technology leaders and industrial companies at a scale few events globally can match. At a time of rising demand and significant investment requirements, those conversations and partnerships have never been more important."
He concluded: "The level of industry participation this year shows just how important ADIPEC has become as a global platform for energy. We're seeing strong commitment from across the Middle East and internationally, with leaders coming to Abu Dhabi to discuss shared priorities, explore new opportunities and build partnerships. That's what makes ADIPEC so valuable, particularly at a time when the industry needs to work more closely together."
Held in October at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, and organised by the Sharjah FDI Office in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment, the event operated under the theme ‘Building Adaptive Economies’.
Emaar’s 98% collections prove UAE economic resilience
Against a backdrop of global economic fluctuations, the United Arab Emirates continues to demonstrate remarkable market resilience.
This enduring strength was highlighted by a 98 per cent property collection rate and an AED 180 billion sales backlog announced by Emaar Properties during the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026). Held in October at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, and organised by the Sharjah FDI Office in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment, the event operated under the theme ‘Building Adaptive Economies’.
Speaking in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar, provided these figures as compelling evidence of sustained investor confidence in the region's stability.
Navigating Shifts with Robust Fundamentals
Despite temporary regional headwinds, the underlying metrics of the UAE's property and retail sectors remain highly robust. Emaar’s performance data highlights several critical success indicators:
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Sustained Collections: Emaar has maintained a 98 per cent collection rate, mirroring its performance from the previous year.
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Stable Sales Volume: The developer consistently sells approximately 4,000 units on a monthly basis.
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Recovering Cancellations: While cancellations briefly doubled to roughly 1,200 amid changing regional situations, they have since normalised to fewer than 600.
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Hospitality Surge: Activity within the group’s hospitality sector is operating more than 60 per cent above previous levels.
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Retail Consistency: Millions of shoppers on the noon e-commerce platform have continued purchasing without hesitation.
During a fireside chat moderated by radio host and entrepreneur Kris Fade, Alabbar noted the significance of these figures.
"We are still collecting exactly like before. That shows you customer confidence," he stated. He further attributed this steadfast performance to the broader national environment: "We live in an incredible country, with great substance and great leadership. The future looks much better."
Shifting Investment Priorities: Safety Over Tax
As global uncertainty rises, traditional financial incentives are no longer the primary driver for capital allocation. Alabbar identified the UAE's exceptional quality of life, personal security, and education systems as critical advantages.
Investors are increasingly prioritising a stable environment. "Forget about tax. People are moving to countries where life and education are safe," he remarked. He contrasted this secure environment with the instability of major markets, pointing to the United States' debt burden of approximately AED 146.9 trillion.
Acknowledging the reality of frequent global disruptions, he emphasised the necessity of maintaining operational confidence. "History shows a major disaster such as war, famine, earthquake, flood or disease roughly every two years and four months. Earlier Covid was a big surprise, and then the air war was shocking. None of us had gone through this before," he explained. "We are in an unstable world, but that should not stop us."
Agile Leadership and the AI Imperative
To thrive globally, business leaders must abandon rigid frameworks in favour of responsive strategies. "You need to adjust every three months. Five-year budgets should be indicative," he advised.
Furthermore, he championed the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting 'prompting' as essential for enhancing executive decision-making. "Those who adapt to AI will be faster, smarter and cheaper. Educate yourself, stay with it and try different things."
A Legacy of Quality and Talent
When evaluating Emaar’s enduring market dominance, Alabbar was unequivocal about refusing to compromise on product standards. "I don't give discounts. We give quality," he asserted. "The only sustainable thing in life is your name, your family name and your country's name."
He credited his international success across 20 countries to talent acquisition and equitable compensation. "The key to everything in life is amazing people. I learnt late to search for the best people and reward them fairly," he confessed. Asked how he wishes to be remembered, he concluded: "I hope I was able to contribute to a beautiful society, and give hope that tomorrow is a better day."
Cityscape Bahrain returns for its fifth edition, showcasing real estate opportunities and experiences shaped by the latest sector trends
Bahrain's real estate future at Cityscape 2026
The Kingdom of Bahrain is rapidly cementing its reputation as a highly attractive destination for global and regional property investment.
As the market continues to evolve, the demand for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments has seen a remarkable upswing. At the heart of this thriving sector is a commitment to fostering dynamic urban growth and innovative architectural design. In line with this ongoing development, the fifth edition of Cityscape Bahrain is poised to return, offering a comprehensive look at the future of the Kingdom's property landscape and providing a prominent platform for direct engagement.
A Hub for Engagement and Investment
Running from the 24th to the 28th of November 2026 at Exhibition World Bahrain, the event is meticulously organised by the “inD” Group, a group specialising in major exhibitions and events, with the support of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). The Kingdom’s largest real estate event will bring together leading investors and those seeking distinctive real estate opportunities aligned with the latest trends in the sector.
The overarching theme for this year’s highly anticipated edition is “Secure your capital. Elevate your lifestyle. Anchor your future”. This powerful motif places a resolute focus on capitalising on attractive real estate prospects and securing long-term investment viability. Visitors attending the five-day exhibition will have the unparalleled opportunity to:
- Explore a diverse portfolio of modern real estate projects.
- Compare a multitude of available property options in the market.
- Engage directly with leading real estate developers.
- Identify lucrative opportunities that best align with their specific needs and future aspirations.
Eng. Ebrahim Mohamed Abul, Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, highlighted the importance of this ongoing collaboration. He noted that RERA continues to partner in organising Cityscape Bahrain, describing it as a leading real estate event that successfully attracts prominent investors and those seeking promising opportunities within the sector. He further emphasised that this strategic partnership builds upon the success achieved across all previous editions. As Cityscape Bahrain proudly enters its fifth iteration, it reflects its established position and its crucial role in actively supporting the vitality of Bahrain’s real estate sector whilst significantly strengthening its overall investment appeal.
Broader Horizons and Interactive Experiences
Alexander Heuff, the Group Director of Cityscape, remarked that the exhibition continues to grow in step with the development of Bahrain’s real estate sector. He noted that the fifth edition will undoubtedly deliver a more interactive experience, one that is closely aligned with visitors’ interests. By showcasing a broad range of real estate projects and promising prospects, the event will accurately reflect the very latest urban development trends.
Furthermore, the 2026 exhibition will place a special spotlight on inclusivity and international appeal by highlighting specific property ownership opportunities that are readily available to non-Bahrainis. This includes detailing the exciting possibility for eligible applicants to apply for Bahrain’s Golden Residency programme. To further enhance the visitor experience, Cityscape Bahrain will run concurrently with Jewellery Arabia and Scent Arabia, offering attendees an integrated, multi-sector experience spanning luxury real estate, exquisite jewellery, and premium fragrances under one roof.
Driving Innovation and Expertise
A major highlight of the 2026 edition is the official launch of the “Bahrain PropTech Platform”. This dedicated space is specifically designed to bring together innovative PropTech start-ups with established investors, developers, and leading companies operating across the real estate spectrum. This dynamic programme will feature a live competition where participants can present cutting-edge projects and ideas before an engaged audience. Additionally, the exhibition will feature a specialised architecture and interior design pavilion, providing specialist firms and studios with an exceptional platform to showcase their latest work and standout projects.
Knowledge sharing remains a cornerstone of the event, with the return of "Cityscape Talks" scheduled from the 25th to the 28th of November. This intellectual hub will bring together esteemed government representatives and seasoned experts from the real estate sector for a total of 25 specialised sessions. The comprehensive programme is set to explore the critical trends shaping the sector today, including property ownership, real estate investment, financing, and commercial real estate development, alongside a diverse range of topics spanning PropTech, artificial intelligence, sustainability, design, and smart homes.
Nurturing Future Talent
Cityscape Bahrain 2026 is also deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of industry professionals. The event will host the fourth edition of the “Future Architects” initiative, organised in partnership with the American Institute of Architects – Middle East Chapter, and supported by Seef Properties as the official sponsor of architectural initiatives. This invaluable programme provides university architecture students with a dedicated space to showcase their ideas and projects before an audience of leading architects and real estate developers. Since its initial launch, this inspiring initiative has successfully attracted more than 50 students, featured 30 distinct projects, and welcomed an enthusiastic audience of over 200 attendees.
The fifth edition builds robustly on the notable success of Cityscape Bahrain 2025. Returning in 2026 with even greater ambition and significantly broader horizons, it is set to further strengthen its undisputed position as a prominent regional real estate hub, expertly bringing world-class projects, visionary developers, and eager investors together under one roof.
Dell Technologies today released findings from its Modern Enterprise Readiness Study 2026, conducted with independent research firm Vanson Bourne.
How AI and security are reshaping UAE enterprise IT
Artificial intelligence, technology sovereignty, and embedded cybersecurity are actively reshaping how enterprise technology is procured and managed.
According to the 'Modern Enterprise Readiness Study 2026' from Dell Technologies, conducted with independent research firm Vanson Bourne, UAE leaders are abandoning fragmented IT environments. Instead, they seek consolidated strategies to navigate economic uncertainty, regulatory demands, and escalating cyber threats.
Navigating Economic Pressures Through Strategic Consolidation
The prevailing macroeconomic climate is exerting considerable influence over corporate technology investments. Rather than indiscriminately reducing expenditure, 82% of UAE executives report that current economic conditions are driving a selective, outcome-focused approach to IT budgeting. Businesses are now strictly prioritising tangible value and operational efficiency.
Consequently, a clear preference for simplification has emerged. An overwhelming 86% of respondents indicated they prefer to address their technological requirements through a single strategic partner, moving decisively away from complex multi-vendor environments. Furthermore, 86% of leaders are redirecting investments toward partners capable of demonstrating the requisite scale, supply chain capabilities, and comprehensive ecosystems necessary to transition artificial intelligence projects from experimental pilots into live production environments.
The Modern Workplace as an AI Foundation
As artificial intelligence becomes inextricably linked with daily enterprise workflows, modern workplace technology is shifting from a basic operational tool to a strategic enabler of business transformation. The study underscores this evolution, revealing that 98% of respondents believe modern devices fundamentally enhance workforce productivity and collaboration. Conversely, 66% acknowledge that legacy hardware actively restricts their capacity to adopt advanced technologies, particularly AI-powered applications.
This increasing reliance on intelligent digital applications is dictating enterprise hardware refresh cycles. Impressively, 94% of UAE organisations confirm that AI-enabled personal computers and modern endpoint devices will constitute a core component of their future workplace strategies. For these enterprises, workplace modernisation transcends the simple replacement of ageing equipment; it is now recognised as the foundational architecture required to facilitate AI-driven productivity, optimise the employee experience, and fortify endpoint security frameworks.
Infrastructure and Regulatory Hurdles in Scaling AI
Despite the palpable momentum behind artificial intelligence adoption across the region, numerous enterprises are discovering that scaling these initiatives requires robust operational foundations.
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Regulatory Compliance: Privacy and data compliance have surfaced as primary barriers, with 68% of business leaders expressing concern regarding adherence to government regulations when leveraging data for AI models.
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Delayed Implementation: A matching 68% report that these compliance and security anxieties have already hindered or delayed their artificial intelligence implementation programmes.
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Infrastructure Gaps: Underlying infrastructure presents another substantial bottleneck. 68% of IT leaders concede their systems are not yet adequately prepared to manage AI and complex analytics workloads at a full production scale.
As businesses attempt to graduate from theoretical experimentation to operational deployment, long-term success heavily depends on modernised infrastructure, unassailable data governance, and strict alignment with local regulatory parameters.
Cybersecurity as an Absolute Baseline Requirement
Within this rapidly evolving landscape, cybersecurity has fundamentally transitioned from an after-the-fact consideration to a non-negotiable baseline requirement. UAE business and IT leaders now demand that security measures be woven into the fabric of their infrastructure and third-party engagements from inception. A striking 90% of executives expect comprehensive security frameworks to be integrated into every single proposal from strategic technology partners. Highlighting the acute focus on business continuity, 94% assert that integrated cyber resilience and data protection capabilities are crucial criteria when assessing new infrastructure platforms.
Furthermore, 78% of organisations anticipate an increased reliance on managed security services over the next two to three years. This vigilance is strongly reinforced by stringent local mandates, including the UAE Cyber Security Council's Critical Information Infrastructure Protection framework, Information Assurance requirements, and the UAE Personal Data Protection Law. Coupled with sector-specific directives such as the CBUAE's operational resilience regulations, these legislative frameworks guarantee that cyber readiness remains a paramount board-level priority rather than an isolated IT concern.
World Economic Forum-recognised Aquapreneur Terry Paule, Founder of Philo and Co-Founder of Findex, is officially hard-launching the Sustainable Water Impact Maps (SWIM) platform on 8 December 2026.
Terry Paule launches SWIM platform at UN Water Conference
The global water sector is gearing up for a monumental gathering as the third UN Water Conference prepares to run from 8 to 10 December 2026 at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi.
Centred on accelerating action for Sustainable Development Goal 6—Clean Water and Sanitation—the event serves as the backdrop for major technological announcements. Among them, World Economic Forum-recognised Aquapreneur Terry Paule, Founder of Philo and Co-Founder of Findex, is officially hard-launching the Sustainable Water Impact Maps (SWIM) platform on 8 December 2026.
First previewed during Climate Week in New York in September 2025, the ambition behind SWIM was straightforward yet transformative: to break down the siloes fragmenting global water stewardship and bring the sector together into a single cohesive environment.
"The global water crisis cannot be solved alone," said Terry Paule. "Water is finally being recognised not just as a humanitarian necessity, but as a primary economic and investment priority. This is exactly why SWIM was built as an operating platform that could take friction out of the ecosystem and deliver real world, measurable results."
Developed by Philo—the Abu Dhabi-based parent company of Botanical Water Technologies—SWIM was born out of observing widespread inefficiencies first-hand. Through water projects across India and other regions, Philo identified deep fragmentation within water funding:
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Funders frequently struggle to locate credible, ready-to-fund projects.
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Implementers find it difficult to connect with the right financial backers.
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There remains a persistent lack of transparent visibility and collective action across the wider industry.
SWIM tackles these hurdles by consolidating water risk, project requirements, funders, implementers, evidence, and verified impact into one central location. It spans reduce, reuse, replenish, and WASH projects across both advanced technology and nature-based solutions.
Moving from silos to shared action
Water experts widely agree that no single organisation can successfully rehabilitate a river basin in isolation. Yet, traditional efforts remain heavily scattered. Small projects operate independently, capital is spread thin, and public-private cooperation is infrequent.
The solution requires moving away from backing isolated projects and pivoting toward coordinated catchment-wide organising. Companies, governments, communities, and NGOs must align behind shared goals and track unified metrics. SWIM addresses this exact void by offering a shared platform where stakeholders can identify who is active within critical basins.
Data-rich and operational
The platform is already operational, with approximately 1,000 projects currently onboarded alongside a growing roster of Fortune 500 funders and international NGOs.
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Extensive Data Integration: SWIM incorporates over 100 data layers sourced from institutions like the World Bank, WRI Aqueduct, WHO/UNICEF JMP, and the WWF Water Risk Filter down to the sub-catchment level.
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Verified Standards: Implementers must provide evidence of at least one project backed by a recognised organisation before publishing, and projects can earn independent verified badges.
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Execution Layer: PhiloX operates behind SWIM to handle contracting, funding workflows, rigorous verification, and real-time auditable impact reporting.
With its debut in Abu Dhabi, SWIM aims to transform how global water finance and resource management are executed.
A Ras Al Khaimah delegation comprised of several high-profile entities has concluded a four-state mission across the United States.
Al Khaimah seals US trade pacts in four-state mission
Transatlantic commercial ties between the United Arab Emirates and the United States have reached a significant milestone following the conclusion of an intensive four-state trade and investment mission by a senior delegation from Ras Al Khaimah.
Spanning Florida, Michigan, Nevada, and Utah, the tour yielded three pivotal bilateral agreements alongside a robust pipeline of cross-border ventures in advanced industry, hospitality, and technological innovation.
Central to the mission’s tangible outcomes was the formal signing of three Letters of Intent by the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented by its Director-General, His Excellency Dr. Rashid Khalfan Al Nuaimi. These strategic accords partner the Emirate with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in Florida, Ann Arbor SPARK in Michigan, and World Trade Center Utah, creating direct operational frameworks to bolster entrepreneurship, reciprocal trade, and enterprise growth between the respective business communities.
The high-level delegation, led by Dr Carel Richter, Advisor, International Relations, Office of the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, comprised senior representatives from key governmental and commercial entities, including RAKEZ, RAK Properties, Marjan, Innovation City, the Department of Knowledge, and the Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office.
Dr Richter said: “This mission has demonstrated the strength of the relationships that Ras Al Khaimah is building across the United States and the depth of opportunity that exists when those relationships are developed with a clear focus on long-term cooperation. Across Florida, Michigan, Nevada and Utah, we have established new partnerships and strengthened existing ones with governments, chambers, universities, businesses and investors, creating a strong foundation for continued engagement and practical collaboration.”
He added: “While this mission has delivered important outcomes, we see it as the beginning of a deeper and more sustained relationship between Ras Al Khaimah and the United States. Our priority now is to maintain the momentum, follow through on the opportunities identified and convert them into lasting partnerships, investment, trade and knowledge exchange. We look forward to welcoming our American partners to Ras Al Khaimah and continuing to build relationships that create shared value for our communities and businesses.”
Targeted state-by-state engagements
Across each regional market, delegates pursued tailored sector-specific engagements designed to align American industrial capabilities with the Emirate's long-term economic diversification roadmap:
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Florida: The delegation completed upwards of 20 meetings, conferring with Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and former Miami Mayor Francis Suarez to build upon a 2025 cooperation agreement. Talks with the University of Miami, Florida International University, and tech leaders focused on education, venture capital, and digital enterprise.
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Michigan: Across Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Metro Detroit, 34 bilateral engagements were held with bodies including the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the University of Michigan, and Michigan State University. Dialogues advanced collaboration across robotics, engineering, healthcare technology, and agritech, while discussions with 12 commercial enterprises identified prospective setups within the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ).
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Nevada: Discussions centred on destination infrastructure, sustainable mining, and closed-loop lithium systems via the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development and LVGEA. Parallel forums attracted investor interest across cybersecurity, fintech, and digital payments. Cooperation with Wynn Resorts was further advanced ahead of the September 2027 opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island, accompanied by civic discussions with Mayor Shelley Berkley exploring tourism frameworks and a potential Sister City pact.
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Utah: In addition to the accord with World Trade Center Utah, delegates analysed leading destination projects—including The Point, Snowbird Resort, Olympic Park, and Deer Valley—gathering operational insights into public-private partnerships and master-planned tourism ecosystems.
Representing an agile economy where no single sector accounts for more than 23% of GDP, the delegation will now concentrate on converting these international engagements into lasting investments, joint ventures, and enterprise expansions.
Huda Al Hashimi attends a session during the AMGFL 2026.
Shaping strategy in the Agentic AI era
Artificial intelligence has consistently redefined the boundaries of technological capability, but a new horizon is now opening up in the realm of governance and institutional planning.
Moving beyond traditional tools that merely respond to instructions, the focus has firmly shifted towards systems capable of unprecedented autonomy. Recognising this monumental shift, the United Arab Emirates has taken a leading role in a pivotal global dialogue. In a partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), the nation is spearheading the development of the Global Principles for Strategy in the Agentic AI Era. This pioneering framework is designed to guide how governments and major institutions redesign their strategic planning processes and utilise artificial intelligence to make better decisions.
The shift towards agentic capabilities
At the heart of this international initiative is the rapid emergence of agentic AI.
This crucial dialogue officially opens on the 13th of October 2026, coinciding with the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders in Dubai. This gathering provides a vital platform for a new generation of leaders to shape the future by creating bold opportunities within a volatile global landscape. Furthermore, the development of these principles stands as one of the cornerstone initiatives of the Global Strategic Intelligence Programme, a longstanding and deeply collaborative partnership between the UAE and the WEF.
Redefining strategic intelligence
The Global Strategic Intelligence Programme is designed to strengthen the comprehensive capabilities of governments in the areas of strategic intelligence, future foresight, and critical decision-making.
The core objectives of the programme include:
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Strengthening the ability of governments to anticipate rapid global changes.
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Enhancing institutional resilience and overall strategic readiness.
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Institutionalising an integrated approach to future foresight.
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Ensuring that decision-making is consistently driven by robust data, rigorous analysis, and concrete evidence.
A vision for proactive governance
Her Excellency Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, affirmed that the UAE’s leadership of this international dialogue is a direct reflection of the nation’s forward-looking vision. She highlighted the country’s pioneering role in shaping the future of strategic government work on a worldwide scale. By bringing together a coalition of experts, senior decision-makers, and thought leaders, the UAE seeks to develop shared principles that can keep pace with the exceptionally rapid advancements currently occurring in artificial intelligence.
Her Excellency further explained that developing these principles represents a distinctly proactive step towards expanding the use of artificial intelligence in building more integrated and adaptable government systems. The initiative is focused on fostering advanced operating models that leverage cutting-edge technology to significantly improve the quality of decision-making. Ultimately, the objective is to transform insights and data-driven knowledge into tangible outcomes that enhance the daily lives of individuals and their communities.
Establishing an international reference framework
Stephan Mergenthaler, Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer of the World Economic Forum, emphasised the profound impact of this transition, stating:
“Agentic AI is fundamentally transforming how governments anticipate change, assess possibilities and make consequential strategic decisions. The Global Principles for Strategy in the Agentic AI Era represent a critical opportunity to establish a shared global framework that ensures these powerful capabilities are developed and deployed responsibly. By aligning around clear principles, we can empower institutions to navigate complexity with greater foresight, respond with greater agility and make decisions with greater confidence.”
The ambition of this dialogue extends far beyond the mere adoption of new technology. These principles are explicitly intended to become a definitive new international reference point, empowering governments to cope more effectively with future change whilst ensuring autonomous artificial intelligence is utilised effectively and responsibly.