Abu dhabi: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated the ‘Machines Can Think 2026’ summit, the UAE’s flagship artificial intelligence adoption event, held from 26th to 27th January 2026 at Park Hyatt Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. The summit was co-organised and co-hosted by Polynome Group and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
According to Emirates News Agency, the summit brought together a distinguished group of policymakers, scientists, researchers, technologists, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and artificial intelligence experts from around the world. It provided an international platform to examine how AI systems can transition from ambition and experimentation to national-scale impact through real-world applications. Discussions throughout the summit reinforced the UAE’s growing role as a global hub for the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence.
The Industrial Day built on the momentum of the opening programme, convening decision-makers, technologists, researchers, and industry leaders to explore operational AI, leadership readiness, sector-wide transformation, and mechanisms for scaling AI adoption at the national level. The focus was on linking technological innovation with economic and developmental opportunities.
In his keynote address at the opening of the summit, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak noted that the world is living through a moment in human history where technology has become systems that learn, adapt, and increasingly think alongside humans. He highlighted that the central question facing the summit is not whether machines can think, but how humans will choose to think, act, and lead in the age of intelligent machines.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak explained that the UAE is prepared to meet the challenge under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He stressed that the country’s approach is grounded in the belief that technological advancement and human values are not in conflict. He added that progress must serve people, and a nation’s advancement is measured by the dignity and well-being of its people.
He further affirmed that the UAE invests in artificial intelligence because it believes in science, education, and the future, while also investing in tolerance and human fraternity. He emphasised the country’s commitment to ensuring technology serves all people, respects cultural diversity, protects human dignity, and strengthens social cohesion.
Addressing the participants, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak noted that the defining question is ‘What should we build, and why?’ This requires a new model of leadership based on collaboration between engineers, ethicists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, with a comprehensive understanding of AI governance as a matter of culture and shared responsibility.
He concluded by emphasising that scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs are stewards of the future. Their choices and values will shape the trajectory of artificial intelligence. Excellence in AI is measured by purpose, and the future of AI will be determined by humans who care.
The summit’s Industrial Day featured specialised keynote sessions, addressing AI applications across key sectors and hosting a Startup Competition Day for entrepreneurs to present their innovations.
‘Machines Can Think 2026’ was supported by partners including the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, and others. The Machines Can series will continue with the ‘Machines Can See 2026’ summit in April 2026, focusing on machine perception and vision systems.
