In The Spotlight
South Container Terminal (SCT) at Jeddah Islamic Port has officially recorded its highest-ever monthly throughput since commercial operations began in 1999.
Jeddah Port hits record monthly throughput amid Red Sea recovery
Global maritime logistics and supply chain resilience are experiencing a transformative moment as key Red Sea trade corridors rebound.
Demonstrating the broader recovery of regional maritime pathways and the increasing adaptability of international shipping networks, the South Container Terminal (SCT) at Jeddah Islamic Port has officially recorded its highest-ever monthly throughput since commercial operations began in 1999. Handling over 221,200 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in July 2026, this vital Saudi gateway has surpassed trade volumes last witnessed prior to the onset of Red Sea shipping disruptions in late 2023.
This milestone underscores a remarkable period of post-disruption recovery, aligning with the gradual return of commercial shipping traffic through western maritime corridors. As international carriers re-establish routes and optimise vessel schedules, terminals equipped with advanced digital technologies and robust physical infrastructure are proving pivotal in supporting uninterrupted, high-volume trade flows across the Middle East.
Record-Breaking Performance and Export Growth
The exceptional July figures are part of a broader, sustained upward trajectory for the terminal throughout 2026. During the first half of the year, SCT throughput surged by nearly 79 per cent year-on-year across imports, exports, and transshipment operations, demonstrating the immense economic dynamism of the region.
Key operational milestones include:
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Total July Throughput: Over 221,200 TEUs handled in a single record-breaking month.
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Export Volumes: A monthly high of 79,720 TEUs processed, reflecting robust export growth through the Saudi gateway.
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Vessel Activity: Accommodated 390 vessel calls during the first half of 2026 alone.
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Service Expansion: Welcomed new shipping lines, including the maiden call of a Wan Hai-operated mainline container vessel in July.
These figures illustrate how vital modernised, high-capacity port infrastructure is in accommodating larger commercial fleet units while simultaneously driving down vessel turnaround times.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Strategic Vision
To support this rapid expansion in cargo density and maintain operational excellence, ongoing investments in port equipment and terminal modernization are actively reshaping the facility's capacity. Recent upgrades at SCT include the addition of three new quay cranes—bringing the total fleet to 17—alongside 17 automated electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes (AeRTGs). Furthermore, the terminal has integrated 35 electric terminal tractors, 30 additional trailers, and significantly enhanced reefer and cold-storage infrastructure to preserve perishable imports.
Looking ahead, terminal management is pressing forward with a broader development programme aimed at lifting annual throughput capacity to 5 million TEUs.
Reflecting on these milestones, Ahmad Yousef Al-Hassan, CEO & MD, DP World GCC, noted: “Jeddah is a key gateway for Saudi Arabia's trade, connecting businesses in the Kingdom with regional and global markets. As trade flows grow, our focus is on building the capacity and connectivity needed to move catomers more options and more reliable routes to markheir supply chain requirements evo
The Future of Regional Supply Chains
As global supply chains continue to evolve, the seamless integration of maritime terminals with robust inland logistics networks remains paramount. By bridging the gap between deep-water berths, high-efficiency container yards, and multi-modal distribution facilities, operations like Jeddah’s SCT are anchoring the Kingdom’s strategic economic diversification goals. Through continued investment in sustainable technologies, automation, and expanded capacity, the terminal stands ready to serve as a resilient cornerstone for international commerce.
The 28th edition of the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2026), organised by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), is set to unveil a dedicated Water Platform at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 20 to 22 October 2026.
WETEX 2026 launches dedicated platform for water innovation
The 28th edition of the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2026), organised by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), is set to unveil a dedicated Water Platform at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 20 to 22 October 2026.
Designed to address escalating global resource pressures, this specialised hub will showcase cutting-edge innovations, smart technologies, and advanced solutions aimed at reshaping modern water infrastructure and securing sustainable urban development across the region.
The Strategic Imperative of Global Water Security
Water security remains an essential foundation for long-term ecological stability, societal health, and robust economic prosperity. Amid mounting challenges driven by rapid population growth, intensive urban expansion, and unpredictable climate shifts, utilities and governments face immense pressure to modernise resource oversight. Integrating advanced engineering, digital automation, and efficiency-focused frameworks is no longer optional; it is a critical mandate for modern civilisations striving to secure reliable supplies for future generations.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, Founder and Chairman of WETEX, emphasised the urgency of these developments:
“Water security is one of the fundamental pillars of sustainable development, enhancing quality of life and supporting economic growth. In light of the growing challenges related to population growth, urban expansion and climate change, there is an increasing need to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency of water resource management and contribute to ensuring the reliability and sustainability of water supplies.”
What to Expect at the Specialised Water Platform
Located within Sheikh Saeed Hall 3, the dedicated Water Platform will function as an interactive epicentre for international corporations, research institutions, industry pioneers, and environmental specialists. The space is engineered to foster high-value partnerships, encourage public-private sector collaboration, and accelerate the commercialisation of breakthrough green technologies.
Key highlights and focal points of the platform include:
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Advanced Desalination: Showcasing next-generation reverse osmosis systems and energy-efficient purification processes designed to reduce environmental impact.
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Smart Utility Networks: Highlighting automated monitoring tools, sensor-driven leakage detection, and data-driven network management to minimise resource loss.
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Artificial Intelligence Integration: Exploring how machine learning algorithms and predictive maintenance models optimise large-scale water distribution pipelines.
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Specialised Seminars: Hosting daily expert-led sessions from 11:00 am to 2:50 pm, offering deep dives into operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer further highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative:
“The Water Platform at WETEX provides a dedicated space that brings together key organisations, experts and specialists from around the world to exchange knowledge, expertise and best practices, as well as explore the latest technologies and innovative solutions that support a more sustainable and resilient future for all. It also contributes to strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.”
Driving Global Dialogue and Sustainable Innovation
Over nearly three decades, the exhibition has evolved into a premier international marketplace for clean energy, environmental protection, and resource optimisation. Last year's milestone event welcomed over 50,000 visitors from 65 countries, featuring 3,100 exhibiting brands across 18 international pavilions. By spotlighting pioneering water solutions, WETEX 2026 aims to galvanise investment and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
Reflecting on the broader vision of the event, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer noted:
“Over 28 years, WETEX has consolidated its position as a leading global platform that brings together decision-makers, investors, developers, research centres and technology providers under one roof to promote dialogue, build partnerships and stimulate investment across various sustainability sectors. Allocating a dedicated platform to water underscores the strategic importance of the sector and its pivotal role in achieving water security and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
As registration numbers climb and international delegations finalise their participation, WETEX 2026 stands ready to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in global water management.
, specialized by stc, the leading national provider of critical communication networks, announced its participation in LEAP.
Resilient communications take centre stage at LEAP
In an increasingly volatile global landscape, the demand for resilient, mission-critical communications has never been more urgent.
Meeting this demand head-on at the LEAP global technology conference, specialized by stc—the dedicated arm for mission-critical networks under the stc group—is unveiling its latest advancements in robust digital infrastructure. From managing emergency responses to securing national grids, modern urban centres require digital ecosystems that can withstand extreme pressures without faltering. LEAP serves as the ideal epicentre for such pioneering announcements, highlighting a sector that is rapidly transforming through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), edge computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Recognising that flawless connectivity is the bedrock of national security and industrial efficiency, the organisation aims to showcase a comprehensive suite of technologies designed specifically for high-stakes environments. The centrepiece of this strategic unveiling at the conference is the newly launched Business-Critical Network, an infrastructure marvel engineered to redefine connectivity standards across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond. By establishing a dedicated LTE network that spans the entire nation, the deployment promises unparalleled agility for sectors where split-second decision-making is paramount.
Empowering High-Stakes Sectors
The significance of this technological leap extends far beyond basic connectivity; it represents a foundational shift in how vital industries operate under pressure. Addressing the strategic vision behind this deployment, Riyadh Muawad, Chief Business Officer at stc group, stated:
“The launch of the Business-Critical Network marks a new era of critical communications for Saudi Arabia. This purpose-built network sets a new benchmark for mission-critical communications, empowering key industries with the speed, security, and intelligence needed to operate in high-pressure environments. It reflects our commitment to enabling national sectors with future-ready capabilities and cementing stc group's position as a trusted partner in advancing the Kingdom's digital future.”
Core Pillars of the Business-Critical Network
To meet the stringent demands of global Mission Critical and 3GPP standards, the newly unveiled ecosystem is fortified with several advanced features. These integrations ensure that whether in remote industrial sites or bustling smart cities, the communication lines remain impenetrable and highly responsive. Key elements of the Business-Critical Network include:
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Encrypted push-to-talk capabilities: Ensuring immediate, secure voice transmission across dispersed field teams without the risk of interception.
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Shock-resistant hardware: Deploying ruggedised devices built to survive extreme physical conditions, vital for defence and industrial applications.
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Real-time emergency alerts: Facilitating automated, instantaneous notifications to coordinate swift responses during critical incidents.
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AI-driven situational awareness: Utilising edge computing to process field data instantly, enabling predictive maintenance and smarter crowd management.
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Secure group messaging: Providing a reliable platform for coordinated, multi-agency communication during large-scale operations.
A Comprehensive Shield for Critical Operations
Beyond the core network, the LEAP showcase highlights a broader portfolio aimed at digital readiness. Systems such as Forun, designed for instant response, and TETRA, an encrypted communication protocol, form the backbone of this resilient architecture. Platforms like Hadath offer integrated event management, proving essential for massive crowd coordination during major events. Together, these technologies provide a holistic shield for healthcare, oil and gas, finance, and public safety.
Elevating Operational Control and Safety
Delivering these sophisticated solutions requires an unwavering focus on operational excellence and customer integration. Eng. Khaled Al-Dharrab, CEO of specialized by stc, emphasised the operational impact of the new suite:
“As the sales arm behind this groundbreaking launch, we are proud to deliver a service that meets the unique communication needs of critical industries. The Business-Critical Network empowers organizations to strengthen operational control, improve responsiveness, and elevate safety —ensuring seamless performance even in the most demanding and high-pressure environments.”
As cities become smarter and industries reliant on data flows, the margin for communication failure shrinks to zero. The innovations unveiled at LEAP highlight a proactive approach to this reality, establishing a resilience blueprint thaks and leveraging AI and IoT, the future of critical communications ensures continu
SEWA is constructing two state-of-the-art water reservoirs in the coastal city of Khorfakkan.
Sharjah boosts water security with US$7.7mn Khorfakkan Reservoirs
The push for sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure across the United Arab Emirates has taken a significant leap forward, as the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) announces a major investment in the Emirate's utilities network.
With an injection of AED 28.23mn (approximately US$7.7mn), SEWA is constructing two state-of-the-art water reservoirs in the coastal city of Khorfakkan. This infrastructure upgrade is designed to immediately bolster local water security, doubling the storage capacity at crucial pumping stations and ensuring an uninterrupted supply for a rapidly expanding population.
In an arid climate where economic growth is intrinsically linked to utility resilience, continuous investment in water infrastructure is not merely an operational upgrade; it is a fundamental pillar of national security. As urban centres across Sharjah and the wider UAE continue to attract residential and commercial development, utility providers are under increasing pressure to future-proof their networks. The new Khorfakkan project underscores a proactive approach to this challenge, addressing the rising demand for essential services before it strains the existing framework. By reinforcing its water distribution networks, Sharjah is laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term urban expansion.
Strategic Project Specifications and Upgrades
The comprehensive development plan focuses on the SEWA 1 and SEWA 2 pumping stations situated in Khorfakkan. By expanding these specific nodes, the authority is targeting the heart of the city's water distribution architecture. The initiative will not only improve the overall sustainability of the network but also significantly enhance its operational flexibility, allowing the system to adapt to varying consumption patterns and seasonal demand spikes.
To provide a clearer picture of the scale and scope of the development, the core project details include:
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Total Investment Capital: AED 28.23 million (US$7.7 million) allocated for end-to-end construction and integration.
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Storage Capacity: Two new reservoirs, each capable of holding 2 million gallons, yielding a combined total of 4 million gallons in additional capacity.
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Strategic Locations: Integration into the existing SEWA 1 and SEWA 2 pumping stations to maximise distribution efficiency.
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Accelerated Timeline: Expected to become fully operational by the end of 2026, delivering ahead of the contractual deadline of March 2027.
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Primary Objective: Doubling the current storage capacity to improve network resilience and ensure a reliable, continuous water supply.
Accelerating Delivery to Meet Rising Demand
One of the most notable aspects of this infrastructure rollout is the expedited delivery timeline. Overseen by Engineer Saud Abdul Aziz, Director of the Khorfakkan Department at SEWA, the project is advancing at an accelerated pace. While the contractual completion date is slated for March 2027, the authority is pushing to bring both reservoirs online by the end of 2026. This accelerated schedule is a testament to the urgency and priority placed on securing the region's water supply. By halving the remaining wait time, SEWA aims to deliver immediate benefits to the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors relying on the Khorfakkan network.
A Catalyst for Broader Urban Development
The implications of this AED 28.23 million investment extend far beyond the immediate increase in water storage. Khorfakkan, with its unique geographic positioning and growing appeal as a hub for tourism and commerce, requires robust foundational infrastructure to support its economic ambitions. Reliable water provision is a prerequisite for the development of new housing estates, hospitality venues, and industrial zones.
Furthermore, this project serves as a microcosm of the broader strategy employed by authorities across the UAE to modernise utility management. By integrating higher capacity reservoirs into the legacy network, SEWA is reducing the risk of service interruptions while optimising the energy required to pump and distribute water across varying elevations and distances. This level of operational efficiency reduces long-term maintenance costs and limits the environmental footprint of the distribution process.
The construction of these new water reservoirs represents a vital step in safeguarding the future of Khorfakkan. It highlights a commitment to forward-thinking governance and sustainable urban planning. As the project nears its anticipated completion at the end of 2026, the residents and businesses of Sharjah’s east coast can expect a highly resilient, future-ready water network capable of supporting the next generation of growth and development.
Object 1 has officially launched SkyLife 1 (also known as SkyLevel 1), a versatile 35-storey residential tower situated in District 11 of the Jumeirah Village Circle area.
Object 1 launches SkyLevel 1 in Jumeirah Village Circle
Dubai’s mid-market residential sector continues to experience remarkable momentum, driven by high rental yields, sustained urban expansion, and an increasing appetite for technology-enabled living spaces.
Capitalising on this sustained growth, property developer Object1 has officially launched SkyLife 1 (also known as SkyLevel 1), a versatile 35-storey residential tower situated in District 11 of the Jumeirah Village Circle area. Scheduled for handover in the second quarter of 2029, the development brings a sophisticated blend of contemporary architecture, forward-looking amenities, and intelligent living solutions to one of the emirate's most active residential districts.
Architectural Profile and Key Project Features
SkyLevel 1 draws direct architectural inspiration from the concepts of modern urban living and elevated sky-centric designs. The high-rise project introduces a distinct visual identity to Object 1’s expanding development portfolio within Jumeirah Village Circle. Across its 35 levels, the scheme is engineered to balance functional residential spaces with commercial and recreational infrastructure.
Key details of the development include:
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Residential Inventory: 420 contemporary single-bedroom apartments engineered for modern urban living.
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Structural Scale: A 35-storey tower featuring residential units, commercial office space, retail units, and dedicated parking facilities.
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Rooftop Facilities: An expansive upper rooftop platform housing leisure amenities and panoramic observation spaces.
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Target Delivery: Full project completion scheduled for the second quarter of 2029.
Connectivity and Jumeirah Village Circle Growth
Positioned in District 11, SkyLevel 1 benefits from rapid connectivity to Dubai’s premier commercial, educational, and leisure hubs. The project sits just two minutes from Circle Mall, with straightforward access to major destinations such as Dubai Hills Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Palm Jumeirah.
The surrounding area has witnessed significant accessibility enhancements following the completion of the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) major road development corridor between Sheikh Zayed Road and surrounding arterial highways. This infrastructure upgrade has effectively doubled bidirectional road capacity and slashed transit times to approximately four minutes.
According to the Dubai Rental Market Report 2025 by Homes, Jumeirah Village Circle remains among the most stable and sought-after locations for medium-cost apartments, having recorded an annual average rental price increase of 8.59% compared to 2024. This consistent performance continues to draw robust interest from both institutional investors and end-users seeking family-friendly community infrastructure and reliable capital growth.
Strong Market Dynamics and Leadership Insights
The official introduction of SkyLevel 1 aligns with an unprecedented surge across Dubai’s wider property sector. During the first quarter of 2026, the emirate recorded AED 252 billion in real estate transactions, marking an impressive 31% expansion compared to the same period in 2025.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the launch, Tatiana Tono, CEO of Object 1, stated:
“The SkyLevel 1 project marks our first new launch in 2026, and we continue to work on it with the same disciplined approach we have taken to deliveries and completion this year. In the first half of the year, two of our projects received certificates of completion of construction, while several others are preparing for delivery. These achievements reinforce our confidence in further expanding into the circular village of Jumeirah, an area where accessibility, strong rental demand and long-term value support end users continues."
Next-Generation Digital Amenities and Wellness
Setting a modern benchmark for residential technology, SkyLevel 1 incorporates artificial intelligence and smart living solutions throughout its communal and private spaces. The rooftop platform features the Sky Infinity Pool, sun-lounging areas, and a dedicated Sky observation platform equipped with digital telescopes for real-time observation of stars, planets, and satellites.
Residents will also have access to an AI-supported smart wellness zone featuring interactive smart mirrors that provide real-time movement analysis, posture correction, and tailored workout guidance. For families, the development includes interactive spaces such as a digital colouring wall that transforms children's drawings into dynamic digital experiences, alongside comprehensive smart access systems designed for modern security and convenience.
With handover slated for 2029, SkyLevel 1 underpins Object 1’s strategy of addressing future urban living demands through technologically sophisticated, investor-friendly residential developments in high-performing Dubai submarkets.
Alteryx is set to showcase the future of enterprise AI and 'agentic analytics' at Alteryx on Tour Riyadh and LEAP 2026.
Alteryx to showcase the future of enterprise AI
The modern enterprise challenge has shifted from running experimental pilots to executing scalable, real-world operations as AI adoption accelerates globally.
Alteryx is set to showcase the future of enterprise AI and 'agentic analytics' at Alteryx on Tour Riyadh and LEAP 2026. At the heart of this transformation is a new paradigm where businesses move beyond static reporting to deploy autonomous, AI-driven workflows that execute critical decisions seamlessly across operations.
Data Governance and Actionable Insights
Despite the promise of automation, many enterprises find themselves unprepared for this transition. A common hurdle is that enterprise data remains siloed, fragmented, and fundamentally untrusted. When data lacks governance, insights fail to drive meaningful action, and consequently, numerous AI initiatives stall.
Industry experts emphasise a stark reality: "AI tools consume data. They do not prepare or govern it." To unlock the true, scalable value of artificial intelligence, businesses must evolve their operational approach across a distinct continuum. Organisations must actively shift their internal analytics frameworks from manual reporting, to assisted analytics, through to automated processes, and finally toward fully autonomous systems. In the modern era of artificial intelligence, merely collecting data is inadequate. The true competitive advantage stems from activating that data securely, responsibly, and at an enterprise-wide scale.
Showcasing the Future in Saudi Arabia
Addressing this critical enterprise challenge is now the primary focus for leaders in data and business transformation. Building on this momentum, Alteryx will detail its roadmap for the future of enterprise AI during its upcoming technology showcases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These gatherings serve as a focal point for digital transformation leaders looking to bridge the gap between AI experimentation and operational impact. By highlighting real-world use cases specific to the region, these events aim to provide practical pathways for converting complex, siloed data into highly accountable enterprise value.
Alteryx on Tour: Riyadh
Under the central theme of "Agentic Analytics Starts Here", Alteryx on Tour will take place on 30 August 2026 at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences. The event will explore how artificial intelligence can be safely operationalised into end-to-end business processes.
The half-day gathering promises to deliver essential insights and networking opportunities for data leaders, including:
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A clear view of an organisation's true AI readiness.
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Practical guidance on migrating smoothly from pilot projects to full production environments.
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Actionable strategies to automate workflows and heavily reduce manual risk.
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Proven approaches to implementing governed, self-service analytics for business users.
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Deep exploration into the rise of agentic, action-driven analytics in modern enterprises.
LEAP 2026 and Industry Collaboration
Following the dedicated tour, the enterprise AI focus will seamlessly shift to LEAP 2026, scheduled from 31 August to 3 September 2026 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham. Universally recognised as one of the world's largest and most influential technology events, LEAP will see Alteryx comprehensively demonstrating how fragmented data architectures can be transformed into trusted insights and automated actions on a global stage.
Highlighting the importance of a unified ecosystem, this presence at LEAP will be bolstered by key industry partners, such as DVW Analytics, who will be exhibiting alongside Alteryx to showcase how governed data foundations can bring disparate data sources directly into AI workflows.
The path to making artificial intelligence work in practice relies heavily on three foundational pillars: clean and governed data, explainable logic-based insights, and automated actions that support confident decisions. As enterprise AI continues its rapid maturation, mastering these essential elements will determine which organisations successfully navigate the new era of agentic analytics. Ultimately, moving beyond basic AI experimentation is what will allow modern enterprises to transform their operational intent into measurable business execution.
The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) have jointly announced the third edition of the annual Hili Forum.
Global leaders convene at Hili Forum 2026
In an era defined by rapid geopolitical realignments, the Gulf region finds itself at a pivotal juncture.
As the global landscape undergoes profound structural transformations, the intersection of economic volatility, emerging technologies, and complex diplomatic relations demands a recalibrated approach to international affairs. Nations must navigate an intricate web of regional tensions whilst striving to safeguard their strategic interests. Consequently, the need for robust, forward-thinking dialogue has never been more pressing.
It is against this backdrop of accelerating global change that the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) have jointly announced the third edition of the annual Hili Forum. Scheduled for the 7th and 8th of September 2026, the gathering will be hosted at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi. The event serves as a critical platform for addressing urgent global challenges, anchored by its overarching theme: “Gulf at Crossroads: Conflict, Consequences and Course Correction.”
The strategic alignment of the ECSSR and AGDA reflects a shared organisational commitment to examining the massive regional and international shifts reshaping the global order. The forum is designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of the choices that will define the future of the Gulf. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the gathering aims to move beyond traditional diplomatic rhetoric, focusing on practical policy solutions and strategic foresight.
The Three Pillars of Strategic Dialogue
To address the multifaceted nature of modern global challenges, the Hili Forum 2026 is structured around three principal pillars: geopolitics, geoeconomics, and geotechnology. Discussions will critically examine how Gulf states can successfully navigate a complex environment while actively contributing to a resilient, stable regional order.
Key areas of focus during the forum will include:
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Regional Security and Deterrence: Evaluating the future of security architectures and identifying methodologies to mitigate emerging risks in a volatile climate.
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Trade and Energy Corridors: Analysing the resilience of critical global supply chains and the evolving dynamics of energy distribution.
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The Technology-Geopolitics Nexus: Exploring the growing convergence of rapid technological advancement and international relations.
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The Role of Middle Powers: Assessing how emerging middle powers can shape the next phase of the international system and global governance.
A Convergence of Global Leadership
The scale of the third edition underscores its significance on the international diplomatic calendar. The Hili Forum 2026 is expected to convene more than 1,000 participants representing over 35 countries. This elite assembly includes senior government officials, policymakers, seasoned diplomats, academics, and business executives, alongside representatives from prominent international organisations and think tanks.
Furthermore, the agenda will feature insights from more than 55 distinguished speakers. Among the high-profile figures scheduled to address the forum are H.E. Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; H.E. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); and H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade.
The international breadth of the dialogue is further reinforced by the participation of esteemed global leaders. The roster includes H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Advisor to His Majesty the King of Bahrain for Diplomatic Affairs; H.E. Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden; and H.E. Vuk Jeremić, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia. Additionally, the forum will welcome H.E. Yoo Jeh Seung, former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the UAE; H.E. Lieutenant General Stefano Mannino, President of the Centre for Higher Defence Studies (CASD) of the Italian Republic; and H.E. Jean-Yves Le Gall, former President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).
Fostering Collaboration in an Era of Uncertainty
The event highlights the imperative to rethink established assumptions regarding security, economic cooperation, and global governance. It serves as a clarion call for constructive dialogue, encouraging stakeholders to manage emerging risks while simultaneously identifying novel opportunities for regional and international collaboration. Through initiatives like the Hili Forum, Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its position as a central hub for strategic thought, driving the conversations that will invariably shape the diplomatic and economic frameworks of tomorrow.