Knowledge Summit 2026: Knowledge models shaping humanity's future and navigating crises

Dubai, UAE, 28 July 2026- The ability to transform the future and build resilient, innovation-driven, and knowledge-based ecosystems is one of the cornerstones of national progress and crisis readiness. In this regard, Dubai and the UAE as a whole have established an advanced model for leveraging science, technology, and data to develop innovative solutions.

The unique UAE model is built on a strategic vision that has made investment in people, science, and innovation a key pillar for creating a diversified knowledge-based economy, spanning digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and future foresight, contributing to the creation of a robust institutional environment.

Knowledge:  Foundation for security, development, and future preparedness

Past experiences demonstrate that long-term investment in knowledge and scientific research is no longer merely an option. Recognising this, the UAE has developed sound governance policies, with Dubai emerging as one of the first cities in the world to create specialized institutional ecosystems for future foresight and link their outputs to policy framing and decision-making.

Moreover, the success of the UAE model is primarily driven by strategic collaborations between public entities, the private sector, as well as academic and research institutions. This approach has also contributed to strengthening the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Knowledge Summit 2026: UAE-based platform promoting global knowledge dissemination

Led by Dubai’s belief in the role of knowledge as a driving force for development and future-building, Knowledge Summit 2026, to be organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will serve as a leading platform convening experts, decision-makers, and innovators to explore the role of knowledge in navigating challenges and nurturing more resilient societies.

To be held on 17 and 18 November in Dubai under the theme ‘Knowledge: Navigating Crises in a Changing World,’ this 11th edition seamlessly aligns with the UAE’s commitment to supporting expertise exchange. It will also spotlight various models of innovation, digital transformation, and future foresight, emphasizing the importance of leveraging knowledge, data, and technology to develop sustainable solutions addressing global challenges.

How UAE demonstrates impact of knowledge models

Right from the early stages of COVID-19, the UAE leveraged big data and digital analytics to support decision-making and adopted various innovative solutions to ensure the continuity of education, work, and government services through smart platforms.

This helped reduce the impact of the crisis and accelerated economic recovery, with the national economy recording real growth of 6.2 per cent in 2025. Meanwhile, the non-oil sector grew by 6.8 per cent, indicating the country’s ability to transform challenges into sustainable development opportunities.

Moreover, the IMD Smart City Index 2026 ranked Dubai among the world’s top six smart cities, while Abu Dhabi ranked among the top ten globally. The UAE also ranked first globally based on the rate of generative AI adoption in 2026, with usage among the working-age population reaching 70.1 per cent, according to Microsoft’s Global AI Diffusion Report for Q1 of this year.

In addition, the achievements of the UAE National Space Programme, such as reaching Mars, have helped strengthen the country’s position in the domains of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

A global model for building a more sustainable future

Global indicators confirm that the UAE’s experience has moved beyond local success, emerging as a global model rooted in knowledge, data, and innovation. From its leadership in AI adoption to its cities ranking among the world’s best in digital intelligence, along with its major investments in future infrastructure, the UAE has set an exemplary benchmark. This further highlights that investment in knowledge is the foundation for building resilient societies that can navigate crises, while shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.