AINext Awards and Conference Dubai 2026: Where AI Leaders, Innovators and Decision-Makers Shape the Future of Artificial Intelligence

Dubai will host the AINext Awards & Conference Dubai 2026 on 22 October 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Dubai - Deira, bringing together AI leaders, technology innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and business decision-makers for a one-day, in-person event organised by Next Business Media. The programme assembles a broad roster of speakers from across the AI ecosystem—covering enterprise technology, data, automation, fintech, cybersecurity and digital transformation—and culminates in the AINext Awards recognising individuals and organisations driving measurable impact in AI innovation and digital transformation.

"Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to real-world transformation. AINext Dubai 2026 brings together the leaders, builders, innovators and decision-makers shaping that journey. Our goal is to create a platform for practical insight, meaningful dialogue and collaboration around the opportunities and challenges that will define the next era of AI," said Anas Jawed, Founder and CEO of Next Business Media and Conference Chair of AINext Dubai 2026.

The conference agenda focuses on operational and strategic themes intended to connect AI capability with business outcomes. Key session tracks include AI ethics in a borderless world; generative AI and the creative industries; AI-driven sustainability; the geopolitics of AI; quantum computing; responsible AI for financial inclusion; and AI and the future of work. In addition to keynote sessions and panel discussions, the programme schedules dedicated networking breaks to encourage engagement between delegates, speakers and industry leaders.

Speakers and sector representation

• Rokaya Karouri, Founder and CEO, Inkode Agency
• Michelle Raymond, Founder and CEO, The People's Partner
• Abir Bouguerra, Founder, SpeakEasyToo
• Alexander Haywood, CEO, MetisJean
• Laura Estefanía, Founder and CEO, Conquista PR
• Samah Alafeef, Founder and CEO, Metanoia Training and Consulting
• Prasanna Walimbe, Founder, Prima Partners (deep-tech operator with more than 20 years' experience)
• Hamad Khalil Albishri, Founder, Techfy.ae
• Bruno Calabretta, Co-Founder, SALTZ AI
• Mohamed Saieed, Regional Director GCC, Datamellon
• Sebastian Marian, CEO and Founder, Foxsy AI
• Asher Zelig Engel, Founder and AI Consultant, Aitza AI
• AbdelRahman El-Sergani, Founder and CEO, Manta AI
• Michal Shatz, Founder and CEO, OpsAgents AI
• Tony Kakpovbia, Co-Founder, BestCircle AI
• Salman Waria, Founder, LogicWorks IT LLC
• Alok Tuteja, President of the Board of Directors, ISACA UAE Chapter
• Pranav Krishnakumar, Vice President, Rabbitron Lab
• Silvia Mogas, Founder, Blockchain Marketing Boutique
• Alyona Shevtsova, CEO, Leo Messenger
• Jean Fritz Saint-Paul, Founder, Konprann
• Dr. Gaurav Kumar Gupta, Principal Solution Architect
• Peter Barcak, Founder and CEO, Credolab
• Christelle EL Metni, Strategic Enablement Manager, EXANTE
• Rizwan Shaikh, Founder and CTO, Pristine InfoSolutions
• Ankit Lathigara, AVP, Nasdaq
• Parul Yadav, Founder, North Wave Media
• Tariq Alsuwaidi, Director of New Economy Department, Ministry Of Economy, UAE
• Mohammad Siam Al Hosseini, Co-Founder, Tech Tuesdays
• Mohammad Hanfi, SAP Security/GRC Architect, Aequor
• Chris Michael, Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Ozone API
• Adel Miran, Expert Board Member, The Universal Consulting Group
• Bibi Haghadan, CEO, HAGHDAN INTERNATIONAL LLC
• Aman Merchant, Managing Director MENA, 10Pearls

The organisers emphasise that AINext Dubai will prioritise discussions that move beyond theoretical research to the responsible deployment of AI in production environments, public policy and corporate strategy. The event seeks to bridge technical capability with organisational, economic and societal considerations, positioning Dubai as a convening point for global dialogue on AI adoption.

Beyond sessions and panels, the conference offers multiple engagement pathways: speaking slots, exhibition space, partnership opportunities and award nominations. Delegates will leave with practical insights on governance, ethics, sustainability and the commercialisation of generative and quantum-enabled solutions, as well as contacts for collaboration across the MENA and global AI landscapes.