Abu Dhabi is set to host Machines Can Think 2026, a flagship AI adopters summit that will bring together global tech leaders and top researchers to accelerate the UAE’s ambitious artificial intelligence agenda. Organized by Polynome, the event will take place on January 26-27, 2026, at the Park Hyatt Saadiyat, featuring speakers from industry giants including NVIDIA, Meta, and Google.
A Convergence of Global AI Leadership
The summit promises a high-caliber lineup, with over 20 leading AI researchers from more than 12 countries and top executives from Big Tech. The two-day program is designed to deliver deep insights through more than 50 keynotes, over 10 hands-on workshops, and immersive demo zones for direct interaction with breakthrough AI technologies.
Prominent speakers scheduled to take the stage include Marc Hamilton, VP of Solutions Architecture and Engineering at NVIDIA; Manohar Paluri, VP of AI at Meta; Michal Valko, Chief Models Officer at a Stealth AI Startup; and Serge Belongie, Director of the Pioneer Centre for AI, among other global innovators.
Aligning with the National AI Vision
Machines Can Think 2026 is strategically aligned with the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and its broader goal of establishing itself as a global AI powerhouse. With AI projected to contribute $100 billion to the UAE’s GDP by 2030 and Abu Dhabi actively building the world’s first AI-native government, the summit serves as a critical platform for advancing real-world AI applications that can power economies and societies.
The program is structured across three dedicated tracks—Co-Evolution, Tech, and C-Level—to address the human-AI interface, technical breakthroughs, and executive strategies for responsible adoption. Key sessions include “UAE Stargate: Building a National AI Fabric” and “Computer Vision – Machines Can See and Act,” highlighting the nation’s commitment to developing a comprehensive AI ecosystem.
Voices From The Forefront
Alexander Khanin, Founder and CEO of Polynome.ai, highlighted the region’s momentum. “The UAE is rapidly solidifying its position as a global AI powerhouse, supported by major investments from both government and Big Tech players,” he said. “As AI is projected to contribute US$320 billion to the region’s economy, our mission is to turn this potential into tangible progress, helping nations, industries, and innovators build sustainable, intelligent systems that advance the region’s global leadership in technology.”
The event is being held in partnership with key local institutions, including the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
Ivan Laptev, Professor of Computer Vision at MBZUAI and Co-Founder of Machines Can See, added, “Abu Dhabi is rapidly strengthening its position as a centre for advanced AI, and Machines Can Think 2026 exemplifies that momentum by bringing together leading researchers and practitioners from around the world. This summit provides a valuable platform to share that work, deepen global collaboration, and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a hub for the international AI community.”
About Machines Can Summits
Machines Can Think is part of the broader Machines Can Summits (MCS) series, where AI creators showcase technologies reshaping industries, cities, and lives. Organized by Polynome Group, the summits have become a premier platform for revealing breakthroughs and forging future partnerships. The 2026 series includes Machines Can Think in Abu Dhabi and Machines Can See in Dubai, both designed to accelerate responsible AI development and adoption. This year’s event will also feature a dedicated panel with Women in AI to promote inclusion in the ecosystem.
Source: Zawya
