Event News

Held on 1–2 September 2026, the summit was orchestrated by Ooredoo Group and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies.

The Arab States are taking decisive steps to shift technological ambitions into tangible, country-level action.

Leading this charge, the High-Level Digital & AI Policy Leaders Forum recently convened in Doha to accelerate the rollout of comprehensive digital public infrastructure and equitable policy across the region.

Held on 1–2 September 2026, the summit was orchestrated by Ooredoo Group and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Organised alongside the GSMA and Women in AI, the forum gathered senior officials and experts to transition the region's technological aspirations into actionable governance.

This gathering marks the next operational phase of the Digital Policy Framework (DPF) for the Arab States. Launched at MWC Doha in November 2025 by the UNDP, Qatar's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and Ooredoo, this evidence-based framework was designed to help governments construct policies that drive economic growth and social inclusion.

Transitioning from Framework to Implementation

A primary objective of the Doha forum was to equip nations with the tools to assess their digital maturity using the DPF. Over two days, national leaders identified priority reforms and commenced drafting bespoke Digital Policy Roadmaps tailored to their unique contexts.

Discussions tackled vital subjects such as digital public infrastructure, data governance, financial inclusion, and the safe deployment of artificial intelligence.

Hilal Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, Group Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer at Ooredoo, underscored the importance of moving beyond mere technological adoption:

“Digital transformation can create enormous economic and social value for our region, but technology alone is not enough. It requires the right policies, regulatory environment and collaboration between the public and private sectors. The priority now is to move from framework to implementation – understanding where individual markets stand, what needs to change and how we turn policy into tangible progress.”

Biplove Chaudhary, UNDP Technical Representative and Head of the UNDP Qatar Office, explained the mechanics of this regional evolution:

“Digital transformation delivers its greatest impact when connectivity, digital public infrastructure and emerging technologies advance together within an inclusive policy environment. The Digital Policy Framework helps countries identify gaps and prioritise action according to their national contexts. This Forum takes the next step, translating regional ambition into practical country-level implementation, while benefiting from Qatar's leadership in innovation and digital infrastructure.”

Pillars of a Competitive Digital Economy

To navigate modern technological integration, the DPF concentrates on three interconnected structural pillars deemed critical for constructing robust digital economies:

• Networks and connectivity: Ensuring reliable, high-speed access to bridge the digital divide.
• Data and digital public infrastructure: Establishing secure frameworks for data sharing and public service delivery.
• Intelligent systems and applications: Promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence across crucial sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and public services.

The Economic Stakes

The financial implications of digital integration are substantial. Evidence referenced within the DPF highlights massive potential gains for developing nations:

• A 10% increase in fixed broadband penetration can boost Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to 1.5% in developing countries.
• Artificial intelligence could contribute an estimated US$21–35 billion annually to GCC GDP when deployed under inclusive, accountable frameworks.

Governing these immense economic opportunities requires collaboration. Dr. Abdelwahab El-Affendi, President of the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, contextualised the forum's necessity:

“This Forum brings knowledge and practice together to address one of our region's defining challenges: harnessing digital technology to strengthen economies, advance human progress and serve society. Success requires balanced governance that enables innovation while managing risk, particularly as AI creates unprecedented opportunities. Through serious collaboration across government, industry and academia, we can turn these opportunities into meaningful, responsible progress.”

By aligning telecommunications leaders like Ooredoo with developmental bodies such as the UNDP, the Arab States are positioning themselves at the forefront of responsible digital acceleration. The journey towards a fully integrated, AI-ready economy is now underway.

The final day of Middle East Energy 2026 in Dubai has officially brought down the curtain on a landmark three-day summit, uniting more than 1,900 energy companies from over 150 countries and roughly 35,000 industry professionals.

The final day of Middle East Energy 2026 in Dubai has officially brought down the curtain on a landmark three-day summit, uniting more than 1,900 energy companies from over 150 countries and roughly 35,000 industry professionals.

As the event concluded at the Dubai World Trade Centre, discussions pivoted heavily towards execution, cross-border cooperation, and actionable strategies required to accelerate the region's ongoing energy transition. With global electricity demand surging—driven largely by rapid digitalisation, industrial expansion, and the proliferation of artificial intelligence—the conversation across exhibitions and conference halls underscored an urgent mandate: transforming power infrastructure from strategic planning into tangible, large-scale delivery.

AI, digitalisation, and grid resilience

A central theme throughout the concluding sessions was the intricate intersection of advanced technology and modern power systems. As artificial intelligence data centres, smart cities, and heavy industrial applications place unprecedented loads on traditional grids, stakeholders examined innovative engineering solutions to ensure long-term stability and reliability. Industry experts emphasized that grid modernization cannot wait, requiring immediate and sustained investments in advanced software, automation, and real-time monitoring tools.

Furthermore, panel discussions explored how digital transformation optimizes energy efficiency across generation, transmission, and distribution networks. Leaders from government bodies, municipal utilities, and private enterprises noted that enhanced regional power interconnections will play a vital role in building highly resilient energy systems. These networks are uniquely positioned to handle intermittent renewable energy supplies while simultaneously safeguarding overall grid reliability and mitigating operational risks.

Scaling renewables, storage, and infrastructure

The exhibition floor served as a dynamic, interactive hub for showcasing cutting-edge electrical hardware, including high-efficiency transformers, advanced switchgear, and robust energy storage systems. Exhibitors from across the globe demonstrated how modern technological integration is revolutionizing renewable energy deployment across the Middle East. Key highlights and focal points from the exhibition floor included:

• Over 1,900 global exhibitors showcasing pioneering innovations in electrical transmission, distribution, renewable generation, and critical power solutions.

• Specialized co-located zones focusing extensively on battery energy storage systems (BESS), solar photovoltaic technology, and electric-vehicle charging infrastructure.

• The accelerated deployment of major utility-scale solar and wind energy projects across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, which continues to boost regional demand for high-grade electrical equipment.

• Strategic framework discussions addressing the seamless integration of distributed energy resources, decentralised power grids, and advanced microgrid architectures.

Strategic collaboration and capital investment

Beyond technical equipment displays, the final day placed a strong, analytical spotlight on the financing mechanisms and regulatory policy frameworks necessary to fuel long-term infrastructure development. Financial institutions, policymakers, and engineering leaders convened in high-level closed-door sessions to align capital availability with overarching sustainable development goals.

With international commitments officially shifting from high-level climate targets to execution-focused capital deployment, participants emphasized the vital importance of robust public-private partnerships. Navigating complex supply chain resilience, securing critical mineral corridors, and streamlining regulatory approvals were universally identified as non-negotiable milestones for maintaining momentum.

Charting the path forward for regional utilities

As utilities and regulatory bodies navigate the complexities of modernizing legacy infrastructure, regional cooperation remains the cornerstone of success. Leaders at the summit stressed that shared knowledge and harmonised standards will allow Middle Eastern nations to bypass traditional developmental bottlenecks. By embracing cross-border grid links, countries can effortlessly balance peak loads, share surplus renewable generation, and stabilize energy costs across borders. This collaborative ethos not only reinforces national energy security but also positions the wider Middle East as a global leader in sustainable power management and technological innovation.

Moreover, discussions touched upon workforce readiness, highlighting the necessity of cultivating the next generation of engineers and technicians equipped to manage smart power grids. As the curtain falls on this year's edition, the overarching message from Dubai is definitive: the technological tools and robust financial frameworks required to build a sustainable, tech-driven energy future are already within reach, setting the stage for a cleaner, smarter, and more interconnected regional economy.

During the event's second day, international leaders, innovators, and policymakers convened to explore the capital and technological advancements that are actively shaping the next phase of the global energy transition.

The global shift towards sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy has officially transcended theoretical ambition.

Across the world, the focus has pivoted sharply towards execution, financing, and the practical application of next-generation technologies. Nowhere was this more evident than at the 50th edition of Middle East Energy 2026, where the industry’s most pressing challenges and pioneering solutions took centre stage.

During the event's second day, international leaders, innovators, and policymakers convened to explore the capital and technological advancements that are actively shaping the next phase of the global energy transition. It has become increasingly clear that achieving net-zero targets will require a fundamental restructuring of how power is generated, distributed, and consumed on a macroeconomic scale.

AI and innovation at the core of energy strategy

At the heart of this global dialogue was a profound emphasis on the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainable power generation. The day commenced with a highly anticipated Leadership Summit keynote delivered by H.E. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama. During his address, he meticulously outlined the complex matrix of modern energy demands.

“Demand continues to grow, technology is advancing at an exponential rate, and artificial intelligence is reshaping how we produce, manage, and consume energy. These are not separate challenges; they are part of the same equation. The question before us is not simply how we generate more energy, but rather how do we build a cleaner, smarter, resilient, and sustainable energy system capable of supporting long-term economic growth,” he said.

Furthermore, he contextualised the strategic vision of the host nation, framing power generation as a foundational pillar for comprehensive socio-economic development.

“For the UAE, the journey is guided by a simple belief: energy is not an end in itself. Energy enables progress. It enables industry. It enables technology. It enables mobility, it enables prosperity, and increasingly, it enables national competitiveness,” H.E. Al Olama added.

Supply chains and decentralisation

Throughout various speaking forums, senior voices representing government bodies, international utilities, and global finance presented robust investment cases for renewable energy. The central themes included artificial intelligence, grid flexibility, and digital technologies. This collaborative agenda highlighted an industry-wide consensus: the narrative must move away from establishing targets and towards tangible delivery and execution.

The Leadership Summit also featured critical fireside conversations that brought geopolitical factors and supply chain realities into sharp focus. Experts dissected the ongoing global realignment of clean energy manufacturing, evaluating the vital role of critical mineral supply chains, logistics, and shipping corridors in safeguarding the momentum of the energy transition.

Simultaneously, the Technical Excellence Forum hosted a pivotal session titled “Energy Transition & Decentralisation”. Here, industry specialists explored the architecture of the region's net-zero pathway, specifically identifying microgrids, distributed generation, and demand-side flexibility as the essential building blocks for modern, resilient energy networks.

Beyond the strategic dialogues, Middle East Energy 2026 sal co

Key innovations and technological breakthroughs showcased included:specialised, sustainability-focused engineering solutions explicitly designed for intelligent infrastructure.

• Lucy Electric: Launched the Nuventura Nu1, an innovative, sustainable, and completely SF6-free switchgear capable of delivering reliable performance up to 36kV.

• Saudi Meters: Displayed advanced, smart water and electricity metering solutions designed to enhance resource tracking and efficiency across the grid.

• InfiVR: Pushed the boundaries of workplace safety by showcasing AI-powered health, safety, and environment (HSE) training programmes.

• Shandong Taikai: The Chinese enterprise exhibited cutting-edge, high-voltage power transmission and transformation equipment.

• Hunan Guochuang Electric: Highlighted its precision-engineered transformer components, tailored specifically for the new energy and ultra-high voltage sectors.

• Hash House: Introduced the H1-630, a highly compact cryptocurrency mining device engineered to integrate seamlessly with solar and battery systems, thereby allowing users to monetise excess energy generation.

As international exhibitors continue to unveil revolutionary products on the show floor, the momentum of the event underscores a critical reality: the tools required to build a sustainable, tech-driven energy future are already here. With Middle East Energy running until 3 September, the global energy sector is undoubtedly accelerating towards a smarter, more resilient era.

IBM has officially joined the 17th edition of the Middle East Banking Innovation Summit (MEBIS) as the Title Sponsor.

The Middle East's financial landscape is undergoing a profound digital transformation, with artificial intelligence at the very heart of this evolution.

IBM has officially joined the 17th edition of the Middle East Banking Innovation Summit (MEBIS) as the Title Sponsor. Scheduled for the 16th and 17th of September 2026 at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai, the summit is the premier banking technology event in the region.

This major announcement, placed prominently ahead of the industry gathering, underscores IBM’s commitment to equipping regional institutions with enterprise-grade solutions. The summit serves as the ultimate platform to shape the future of autonomous banking with C-level executives and digital innovators converging in the United Arab Emirates.

The shift towards AI-powered financial services

Banking today transcends traditional transaction processing; it is fundamentally about hyper-personalised customer experiences and frictionless digital ecosystems. MEBIS 2026 explores the AI-driven transformation reshaping the sector, focussing heavily on the critical transition from basic automation to advanced Generative and Agentic AI technologies.

IBM’s sponsorship highlights the urgent need for a cohesive digital strategy as institutions face escalating pressure to modernise. The technology leader helps clients across more than 175 countries capitalise on deep data insights, streamline complex processes, and reduce operational costs. Thousands of corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to execute their digital transformations rapidly and securely.

Innovation cannot come at the expense of enterprise security. IBM’s advancements in quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and artificial intelligence are backed by a steadfast commitment to transparency and responsibility. At the summit, senior figures, including Shukri Eid, Vice President and General Manager for Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan at IBM, will join strategic discussions on scaling AI responsibly whilst ensuring robust cybersecurity controls are maintained.

Key themes shaping the 2026 summit

The MEBIS 2026 agenda brings banking transformation to the foreground, tackling real-world challenges faced by the region’s boldest banking minds. The structured programme carefully blends visionary keynotes, executive dialogues, and practical case studies.

Attendees will actively explore several critical industry pillars:

• Intelligent Automation: Focussing on responsible scaling, agentic workflows, and delivering a tangible return on investment from artificial intelligence applications.

• Data Strategy: Establishing trusted analytics through enhanced data quality, robust lineage tracking, and strict institutional governance controls.

• Cloud Architecture: Transitioning to modern data platforms that allow for high-speed interoperability and seamless, non-disruptive system upgrades.

• Digital Banking and CX: Designing fully connected omnichannel networks to deliver hyper-personalised customer journeys.

• Risk and Cybersecurity: Implementing advanced threat intelligence and a proactive 'trust-by-design' framework across all digital finance touchpoints.

• Embedded Finance: Utilising open APIs to build collaborative digital ecosystems and unlock entirely new revenue models.

Gathering the region’s financial elite

Attracting over 400 attendees annually, MEBIS draws a highly influential crowd, with more than 75 per cent of delegates holding C-suite or key decision-making roles. The event consistently unites representatives from over 100 retail, corporate, and Islamic banks.

This unparalleled concentration of expertise provides unmatched networking opportunities. Emphasising the importance of this gathering, Saket Saith, Group Chief Technology and Data Officer at RAKBANK, noted: “It's always great to come here, meet people, and understand what's happening in the industry. We can't operate in isolation anymore, networking, sharing challenges, and discovering creative solutions together is essential. That's what brings me back to this event every year.”

Paving the way for digital success in the UAE

Dubai’s strategic position as a global financial hub makes it the ideal host for MEBIS 2026. The active participation of the UAE Banks Federation and top executives from regional heavyweights—such as Mashreq, Emirates NBD, and Dubai Islamic Bank—ensures that the summit’s outcomes will ripple across the wider Middle East.

By securing the Title Sponsor position, IBM is actively architecting the technological framework supporting the next decade of digital finance. As banking leaders convene this September, the focus remains firmly on actionable insights and forming dynamic partnerships that drive the region towards a secure, autonomous, and AI-enabled financial future.