Machines Can Think 2026 will host speakers representing leading labs, companies, and research centers around the world.
Abu Dhabi is set to welcome some of the brightest minds in artificial intelligence as it hosts Machines Can Think 2026, a major global summit dedicated to real-world AI adoption. The event, organized by Polynome, will take place on 26th–27thJanuary 2026 at the Park Hyatt on Saadiyat Island.
Abu Dhabi is set to welcome some of the brightest minds in artificial intelligence as it hosts Machines Can Think 2026, a major global summit dedicated to real-world AI adoption. The event, organized by Polynome, will take place on 26–27 January 2026 at the Park Hyatt on Saadiyat Island.
Designed as the UAE’s flagship AI adopters conference, the summit will bring together more than 20 international AI researchers, executives from leading Big Tech companies, and decision-makers driving digital transformation across industries.
What to Expect at Machines Can Think 2026
The two-day gathering is built around practical learning and hands-on exploration. Attendees can expect:
- Over 50 keynotes and sessions led by global experts
- Partnership activations with MBZUAI, one of the world’s top AI universities
- More than 10 interactive workshops
- Live demo zones where visitors can try out emerging AI technologies and meet the teams behind them
The summit reflects the UAE’s growing momentum as an AI leader and supports the country’s long-term vision under the UAE National AI Strategy 2031.
Three Tracks Covering the Future of AI
Machines Can Think 2026 is built around three core tracks, each designed to explore a different aspect of the AI transformation:
Co-Evolution Track
How humans and AI will work together — from augmented decision-making and productivity to building responsible and ethical AI systems.
Tech Track
Deep dives into infrastructure, foundation models, computational biology, computer vision, and autonomous systems — including the “Machines Can See and Act” segment showcasing vision-driven robots and intelligent perception systems.
C-Level Track
Focused on CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, and policymakers, this track explores how organizations can scale AI responsibly, manage risk, and deliver measurable business impact.
Sessions range from UAE Stargate: Building a National AI Fabric to discussions on AI in healthcare, education, and next-gen industries.
Global AI Voices Coming to Abu Dhabi
Machines Can Think 2026 will host speakers representing leading labs, companies, and research centers around the world, including:
- Michal Valko, Chief Models Officer, Stealth AI Startup
- Manohar Paluri, VP of AI, Meta
- Andrey Doronichev, CEO, Optic
- Marc Hamilton, VP, Solutions Architecture & Engineering, NVIDIA
- Serge Belongie, Director, Pioneer Centre for AI
These speakers — along with researchers from more than a dozen countries — will discuss breakthroughs shaping everything from science and medicine to media, mobility, and intelligent cities.
A Growing AI Ecosystem in the UAE
“The UAE is quickly becoming one of the world’s most influential AI hubs, supported by major government investment and strong partnerships with Big Tech,” said Alexander Khanin, Founder and CEO of Polynome.ai. “Machines Can Think is where creators and decision-makers come together to turn potential into real progress.”
Professor Ivan Laptev of MBZUAI added:
“Abu Dhabi continues to build an environment where advanced AI research can thrive. This summit brings the global community together to exchange ideas, share breakthroughs, and deepen collaboration.”
Part of a Larger Regional AI Movement
Machines Can Think is one of two major events under the Machines Can Summits (MCS) banner. Last year’s edition drew:
- 3,500 attendees
- Participants from 82 countries
- 105 speakers from 30 nations
For 2026, the series expands into two flagship events:
- Machines Can Think — Abu Dhabi
- Machines Can See — Dubai
This year also includes a special partnership with Women in AI, featuring a dedicated panel celebrating global female leaders in the AI ecosystem.
