Dubai AI Festival 2026

Dubai AI Festival is a two-day artificial intelligence business event at Dubai World Trade Centre, held under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Organised by DIFC and Dubai AI Campus and managed by Terrapinn as part of Dubai AI Week, it is built around partnerships and deal-making between AI companies, enterprises, government bodies and investors, rather than a consumer showcase.

Programme and stages

Sessions run on a Plenary Stage and an Innovation Stage, with roundtables and workshops alongside. The 2026 agenda covers the economics and governance of AI across sectors.

• Capital and funding for the next AI companies
• AI in banking, life sciences and government services
• Hyperscale infrastructure and data centres
• AI governance, standards and digital trust
• AI-first cities and autonomous mobility
• Future of work and the human–machine talent equation

Formats

Beyond keynotes and panels, the festival runs start-up and innovation programmes.

• Fireside Chats
• FutureTech Dialogues
• FutureTech Launchpad
• FutureTech World Cup start-up competition
• Workshops & Roundtables

Who attends

Business leaders, government agencies and ministries, AI unicorns and global enterprises, venture capitalists and start-ups. Guest passes for C-level executives and investor passes are available by application.

Tickets & passes

• Event Pass — USD 50: Exhibition floor, conference sessions, exhibitors & schedule in the app
• Premium Networking Pass — USD 2,100: Early-bird price (full price USD 3,000); attendee list, unlimited 1-to-1 meetings, premium lounges, Ignyte membership
• Guest Pass: Application only, for C-level and senior executives; subject to approval
• Investor Pass: Application only, for investors; subject to approval