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Ai Everything Global
The world's largest AI-first expo and summit, convening 850+ enterprises from 150+ countries in Abu Dhabi on 6–7 October 2026 to drive global AI adoption and investment.
Companies exhibiting at Ai Everything Global include 28Digital, Advanced, AeonX Digital Technology LTD, Agri-Mind360 and Aidin.
28Digital
Advanced
AeonX Digital Technology LTD
Agri-Mind360
Aidin
Event overview
Overview
Ai Everything Global is the world's largest AI-first expo and summit, co-located with GITEX GLOBAL. The 2026 edition takes place 6–7 October at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, convening global AI leaders, innovators, policymakers, and enterprise builders to shape the future of intelligent economies.
Hosted by the Department of Government Enablement, with Solutions+ (a Mubadala company) as Global Partner. The event gathers over 850 AI enterprises and startups from 150+ countries, with an estimated 25,000–35,000 attendees.
TL;DR
1World's largest AI-first expo and summit, co-located with GITEX GLOBAL.
2850+ AI enterprises and startups from 150+ countries.
325,000–35,000 attendees expected.
4Hosted by the Department of Government Enablement, with Solutions+ (Mubadala) as Global Partner.
5Focus on AI adoption, cloud, data center infrastructure, government, biotech, edtech, healthtech, mobility, and creative economy.
Why visit
- Discover the latest AI breakthroughs across government, biotech, edtech, healthtech, mobility, and creative economy. Meet 850+ AI enterprises and startups from 150+ countries under one roof. Learn from 200+ international speakers and 400+ thought leaders including H.E. Faisal Al Bannai (ATRC) and H.E. Omar Al Olama (UAE Minister for AI). See live demonstrations of AI-powered products and solutions. Engage with government officials shaping AI policy and procurement. Participate in the AI Hackathon and CAIO Programme.
Why exhibit
- Showcase your AI solutions to 25,000–35,000 qualified attendees including government decision-makers, enterprise CIOs, and investors. Connect with 850+ exhibitors and startups from 150+ countries. Access high-level government procurement programmes and sovereign AI infrastructure initiatives. Gain visibility through co-location with GITEX GLOBAL, the world's largest tech show. Pitch to investors and join the AI StartX Supernova Challenge. Network with 400+ thought leaders including Ministers and Chief AI Officers.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Chief AI Officers (CAIOs) and AI executives
Government ministers and technocrats
Enterprise CIOs and IT decision-makers
Investors and venture capitalists
AI researchers and data scientists
Startup founders and entrepreneurs
Technology and product developers
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
AI enterprises and startups
Big tech companies
Cloud and data center infrastructure providers
AI research and development firms
AI security and cybersecurity companies
Enterprise AI solution providers
Government AI agencies and sovereign AI initiatives
Two on-site car parks accommodate up to 6,000 vehicles. Covered and open parking zones available. Disabled parking spaces in Car Parks A & B with lift access. Valet service also available. Daily rate of AED 20 reported for some events.
6,000 spaces · AED 20.00/day
Accessibility
Abundant disabled parking spaces in Car Parks A & B with lift access into the building. All external entrance gates have ramp access. All event halls and conference spaces have lift access to upper floors. Dedicated wheelchair spaces, companion seating, assistive listening devices, and clear accessibility signage are available.
Prayer rooms
Male and female prayer rooms with washing facilities are available. Located on Level 1 above Halls 4 & 5, and on Level 1 by the Aloft Hotel.
Cloakroom
Left-luggage service is available for visitors, providing storage for hand and other luggage.
Luggage storage
Left-luggage service is available for visitors, providing storage for hand and other luggage.
On-site shuttle
No dedicated onsite shuttle service mentioned. The venue is walkable between halls; internal footbridges connect different sections.
Food options
The Lounge, Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar, Le Cafio Cafe Restaurant, Iceberg Cafe & Grill
On-site dining
Parking: Two on-site car parks accommodating up to 6,000 vehicles. Car parking B designated for this event.
This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.
Speakers
HO
H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama
Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications @ United Arab Emirates Government
AI policy and national AI strategy
GC
Gautier Cloix
CEO @ H Company
Agentic AI
PD
Prof. Dr. Virginia Dignum
Professor of Responsible AI @ Umeå University
Responsible AI, EU AI governance
GS
Gauri Singh
Deputy Director General @ IRENA
Intelligent Infrastructure and New Energy
MN
Mario Nobile
Director General @ AGID (Italy's digital agency)
AI Government Excellence Forum
RR
Ramanan Ramanathan
Leader @ India AI Mission
AI Government Excellence Forum
YL
Yonghua Lin
Vice President and Chief Engineer @ Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence
AI Government Excellence Forum
MJ
Mohamed Jamal Eddine
Group CDIO @ AD Ports Group
AI 360: Enterprise deployment
AH
Alexander Haywood
CEO @ MetisJean
AI 360: Enterprise deployment
US
Umesh Sachdev
Co-founder @ Uniphore
AI 360: Enterprise deployment
HA
H.E. Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab
Chairman @ Department of Government Enablement
AI-native government
HW
H.E. Wesam Lootah
Director General, GovDigital @ Department of Government Enablement
AI-native government
HD
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Askar
Director General, TAMM @ Department of Government Enablement
AI-native government
HR
H.E. Ruba Yousef Al Hassan
Director General, Strategic Affairs and Future Foresight @ Department of Government Enablement
AI-native government
HD
H.E. Dr. Yasir Al Naqbi
Director General, GovAcademy @ Department of Government Enablement
AI-native government
HN
H.E. Najyb Al Maskari
Executive Director @ Department of Government Enablement
AI-native government
FA
Faisal Al Hawi
Director, AI Factory @ Department of Government Enablement
AI-native government
MM
Margaret Mitchell
Chief Ethics Scientist @ Hugging Face
AI ethics, responsible AI deployment
DN
Dr. Najwa A.
CEO @ Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
AI research and innovation
DC
Dr. Chaouki Kasmi
Chief Innovation Officer @ Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
AI innovation
ST
Stephane Timpano
CEO @ ASPIRE
AI and advanced technology
AH
Alan Hsieh
CTO @ Asus
AI hardware and computing
CB
Chloé Bakalar
Chief AI Ethicist @ Meta
AI ethics and responsible AI
Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026
Abu Dhabi AI Summit
Summit
Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026
AI Government Excellence Forum
Forum
AI 360 Sessions
Conference
Topic tracks
AI Summit: New IntelligenceIntelligent Infrastructure and New EnergyAI Government Excellence ForumAI 360AI Government EverythingData Centre Intelligence InfrastructureAI Semicon EverythingAI QuantumX EverythingPhysical AI EverythingAI Cyber Valley EverythingAI StartX
Co-located events
AI Government Everything
Separate ticket
Data Centre Intelligence Infrastructure
Separate ticket
AI Semicon Everything
Separate ticket
AI QuantumX Everything
Separate ticket
Physical AI Everything
Separate ticket
AI Cyber Valley Everything
Separate ticket
AI StartX
Separate ticket
DCII Abu Dhabi (Data Centres, Cloud, AI Infrastructure)
Separate ticket
Awards
Supernova AI Global Pitch Competition
The 2026 Supernova AI Global Pitch Competition is open to exhibiting startups at AI Everything Abu Dhabi. Ten finalists compete for one overall winner and a $10,000 equity-free cash prize, with finalists pitching and awards taking place on 7 October 2026.
Current organiser pages publish 350+ AI companies/enterprises and 15,000+ global attendees for the 2026 event. Because the event has not yet concluded, these are pre-show organiser figures rather than post-show actuals; the integer fields record the published lower bounds.
Forecast — not final
Visitors
15,000
Exhibitors
500
Growth over time
Edition recap
Ai Everything Global 2025 ran from 4-6 February 2025, beginning with the AI Everything Summit in Abu Dhabi on 4 February before the Exhibition Showcase moved to Dubai for 5-6 February. The post-show report records 15,000+ visitors, 500+ exhibitors, 60+ countries, 200+ speakers and 150+ investors.
Official post-show coverage highlighted sovereign AI, equitable AI, public-sector transformation and practical AI deployment, with more than 500 AI specialist enterprises and pure-AI startups presenting hands-on use cases. Following the inaugural two-city format, the organiser announced that the 2026 edition would be held exclusively at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
New this edition
1
Abu Dhabi-only 2026 format
The inaugural 2025 edition was split between an Abu Dhabi summit and a Dubai exhibition showcase. Official post-show coverage states that the 2026 edition moves to an exclusive Abu Dhabi format at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Ai Everything Global 2025 exhibition crowd during the Dubai Exhibition Showcase.Kate Darling presenting during Ai Everything Global 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
Testimonials
“
e& is a proud sponsor for AI Everything Global 2025. It showcased how AI is transforming business, communities and everyday life.
Next edition outlook
2026-10-06 – 2026-10-07
organiser_confirmed
The 2026 edition will be held exclusively at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism. It is positioned as a next-level expansion, with a flagship edition in the UAE capital. The event is expected to bring together 350+ AI companies and startups from over 60 countries.
Exclusive single-city format in Abu Dhabi (versus dual-city in 2025). New venue: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi). Expanded focus on AI-native government and sovereign AI infrastructure.
Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
The 2025 edition cemented Ai Everything Global as the year's largest and most provocative AI event, drawing capacity crowds and critical acclaim for examining cross-continental AI transformation, sovereign AI, and ethical AI deployment. The event featured over 500 AI specialist enterprises and pure AI startups presenting transformative hands-on use cases. It served as a pivotal platform for global AI stakeholders to debate tectonic market shifts and define new boundaries for AI innovation.
Audience quality
High-value decision-makers
The event attracted a high-level, global audience: over 500 Chief AI Officers (CAIOs), 200 international speakers, 150 global investors managing $70 billion in assets, and 100 commercial AI developers from over 70 countries. Attendees included government ministers, technology directors, and market-leading AI innovators. The Summit featured capacity crowds and action-packed agendas, with delegates from over 149 countries.
Exhibitor outcomes
Real business growth
Exhibitors showcased to a highly qualified audience of decision-makers and investors. Over 500 AI specialist enterprises and startups presented transformative use cases, with 70% marking their regional debut. Major tech powerhouses including ASUS, Alibaba Cloud, AWS, Dell, e&, Fortinet, G42, HP, IBM, Intel, Lenovo, Nokia, Oracle, Palo Alto Networks, Red Hat, TII, and Zoom participated. The event facilitated public-private networking and cross-border collaboration, with many exhibitors already committing to the 2026 edition.
Intelligence
Exhibitors
199
Exhibitors
24
Categories
34
Countries
15
Pavilions
Top exhibitor countries
Top 10 by exhibitor count — estimates based on published directory.
UAE
88
India
30
United States
20
France
7
Singapore
6
China
5
Netherlands
4
United Kingdom
4
Germany
4
Belgium
2
Category breakdown
199Exhibitors
1~55
estimate
2~37
estimate
3~17
estimate
4~11
estimate
5~11
estimate
6~8
estimate
7~7
estimate
8~6
estimate
9~5
estimate
10~5
estimate
11~5
estimate
12~5
estimate
13~4
estimate
14~3
estimate
15~3
estimate
National pavilions
UAE
~88 stands
estimate
India
~30 stands
estimate
United States
~20 stands
estimate
France
~7 stands
estimate
Singapore
~6 stands
estimate
China
~5 stands
estimate
Netherlands
~4 stands
estimate
United Kingdom
~4 stands
estimate
Germany
~4 stands
estimate
Belgium
~2 stands
estimate
Kenya
~2 stands
estimate
Taiwan Province, People’s Republic of China
~2 stands
estimate
Russia
~2 stands
estimate
South Korea
~2 stands
estimate
Portugal
~2 stands
estimate
Buyer targets
High priority
Buyers sourcing
AI & Enterprise Technology Suppliers (profile Pending)
Buyers sourcing
General AI & Enterprise Technology Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Agentic AI & Autonomous Workflow Automation Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Logistics, Ports & Supply Chain AI Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Other AI & Enterprise Technology Suppliers
Medium priority
Buyers sourcing
Cybersecurity & Compliance Audit AI Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
ERP, MES & Enterprise Operations AI Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Hardware, Semiconductors & Edge AI Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Agricultural & Environmental AI Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Generative AI & LLM Platform Suppliers
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Middle East & Africa (with global reach spanning 150+ countries)
Why it matters
Ai Everything Global 2026 matters because it convenes the decision-makers who are actively shaping the $15.7 trillion AI economy. The event brings together 850+ AI enterprises and startups from 150+ countries, including 500+ Chief AI Officers, giving attendees an unusually direct view of regional AI infrastructure planning and sovereign AI strategy. With Abu Dhabi ranking second globally in attracting AI talent and implementing a $3.54 billion AI government services program, the event serves as the epicentre of the Middle East's AI transformation. The presence of investors representing over $50 billion in AI capital, combined with dedicated startup tracks and IEEE's global innovation network, makes this a critical nexus for enterprise buyers, investors and AI vendors seeking to capture the region's rapidly expanding AI market.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
01
Agentic AI Moves from Hype to Production
In 2026, AI is shifting from conversational chatbots to autonomous agentic systems capable of independent reasoning and action across complex workflows. Gartner identifies AI agents as a transformative productivity lever, while the Ai Everything 2026 agenda explicitly features Agentic AI as a future-shaping technology.
Sovereign AI and National Infrastructure Investment
Middle East nations are racing to build sovereign AI capabilities. Mistral and Saudi Arabia's HUMAIN (backed by PIF) announced a strategic collaboration to deploy sovereign AI infrastructure across the region. Abu Dhabi is investing $3.54 billion to standardise government services on AI, with over 100 AI systems already operational. Ai Everything Global 2026 sits at the centre of this sovereign AI factory movement.
MENA's AI data centre market is growing at a 24% CAGR through 2025–2026, driven by AI uptake, cloud demand, and massive sovereign digital infrastructure investments. Leading data centre players will deploy $1.8 trillion in capital from 2024–2030. Ai Everything Global 2026 features a dedicated AI Infrastructure & New Energy track covering high-performance computing, cooling, and hyperscale data centre power requirements.
According to the World Economic Forum, the AI economy could reach $15.7 trillion, equivalent to 14% of global GDP, by 2030. Africa is expected to see AI contribute over $1.5 trillion to GDP by 2030. Ai Everything Global 2026 is positioned as the platform where this economic recalibration is debated and shaped.
2026 is seeing emerging convergence between AI, quantum computing and biotechnology. The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is showcasing humanoid robots capable of adapting and learning from real-world environments at Ai Everything 2026. The agenda also covers quantum-enhanced AI and embodied AI applications.
Over 60 countries to participate in event shaping the global AI landscape
Policymakers, researchers, investors and businesses from more than 60 countries will convene at AI Everything Abu Dhabi 2026. The event brings together leading tech and AI companies with a combined market capitalisation exceeding $10 trillion, including AWS, Microsoft, Intel, Dell, HPE, Alibaba Cloud, Oracle and Mistral AI.
IEEE Entrepreneurship Partners with Ai Everything Abu Dhabi 2026
IEEE joins as strategic partner, bringing its global community of technologists and founders. Investors representing more than $50 billion in AI capital will be present, alongside startup-focused tracks like AI StartX.
Mistral and HUMAIN announce sovereign AI partnership for Middle East
French AI lab Mistral and Saudi Arabia's HUMAIN (linked to PIF) announced a strategic collaboration spanning AI infrastructure, advanced model development, and AI solution deployment across Saudi Arabia and the region.
UAE grants visa on arrival to nationals of six countries
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced visa-on-arrival for nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya and South Africa holding valid residence permits from the US, EU, UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
The Q3–Q4 2026 AI conference circuit features a dense cluster of major events, with Ai Everything Global (6–7 Oct, Abu Dhabi) positioned alongside GITEX Global (7–11 Dec, Dubai), World AI Summit (14–15 Oct, Bengaluru), and multiple regional AI gatherings. This creates a busy autumn season for AI professionals, with events spanning enterprise AI, infrastructure, sovereign AI, and applied AI across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
11–12 Feb 2026
AI Everything MEA Egypt 2026
Cairo, Egypt
Organised by GITEX, hosted by Egypt's Ministry of Communications and IT. Africa's AI contribution forecast at $1.5 trillion by 2030.
Features innovations across AI, quantum computing, biosciences, and advanced manufacturing. Summit at DWTC on 7 Dec; exhibition at Expo City Dubai 8–11 Dec.
North American focus: applied AI enterprise conference and Canada's national AI summit.
Early Q4 2026 (Oct)
Ai Everything Global 2026World AI Summit 2026
Peak global AI conference season: Abu Dhabi and Bengaluru events within one week of each other.
Late Q4 2026 (Dec)
GITEX Global 2026
Year-end mega-tech event in Dubai; moved from October to December for 2026.
Event dates and details compiled from official organisers, verified conference listing sites, and news announcements. Some 2026 dates are subject to change; verify with official sources before planning travel.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · AED
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
AUH
Zayed International Airport
Primary airport serving Abu Dhabi; over 50 airlines connect to 100+ destinations worldwide. Serves as hub for Etihad Airways and offers US Customs Pre-clearance.
21.1 km
to venue
15–20 minutes
by car
DWC
Al Maktoum International Airport
Secondary Dubai airport; serves as a cargo and passenger hub with growing low-cost carrier connections.
92.9 km
to venue
~60 minutes
by car
DXB
Dubai International Airport
Major international hub; Emirates airline hub with flights to over 200 cities. Heavier traffic may increase travel time during peak hours.
130.8 km
to venue
75–90 minutes
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
budget
Capital Centre / Al Bustan
USD 90–180 / night
Estimated nightly base-rate band based on late-September 2026 listings close to event week. Representative options include Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre at about $143 and Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan at about $96 in observed listings. Premier Inn is an official event accommodation option opposite ADNEC. Rates are estimates and can rise with event demand, taxes and fees.
mid range
Capital Centre / Al Rawdah
USD 150–250 / night
Estimated nightly base-rate band for nearby 4-star and serviced-apartment style properties. Representative late-September 2026 listings include Pearl Rotana Capital Centre around $154 and Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana around $188. This area minimizes daily transport time to ADNEC.
premium
ADNEC / Capital Centre
USD 240–360 / night
Estimated nightly base-rate band for the most convenient upscale stays. Late-September 2026 listings showed Aloft Abu Dhabi around $244 and 5-star Andaz Capital Gate around $295. ADNEC states Aloft and Andaz are directly connected to the venue. The event offers special Aloft rates for stays from 4 to 8 October 2026, but the contracted rate itself is not publicly displayed.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Walk
Estimated cost$0
Best forAloft Abu Dhabi / directly connected ADNEC hotels to ADNEC Centre
Best option for minimizing event-day travel. The organiser states Aloft has direct access to ADNEC, while ADNEC confirms Aloft and Andaz Capital Gate are directly connected. Premier Inn is opposite the exhibition centre.
Careem or Uber
Estimated costApp-based fare varies by origin, time and demand
Best forAbu Dhabi hotels and city locations to/from ADNEC Centre
For AI Everything Abu Dhabi 2026, Careem code AIE2026C and Uber code AIE2026U provide 15% off two rides per user to or from ADNEC. Both offers are valid from 06:00 on 6 October until 21:00 on 7 October 2026.
Abu Dhabi taxi
Estimated costApproximately AED 60-75
Best forZayed International Airport to ADNEC Centre
ADNEC is approximately 15 minutes from Zayed International Airport. Abu Dhabi Mobility publishes an airport-taxi flagfall of AED 20 plus AED 1.82 per km and waiting charges; the road journey is roughly 24 km, making AED 60-75 a practical estimate depending on traffic and waiting time.
Public bus
Estimated costAED 2-5 per standard-service journey
Best forAbu Dhabi city network to ADNEC Centre via bus 040
ADNEC states bus 040 serves the venue seven days a week. Abu Dhabi Mobility's standard fare is AED 2 boarding fee plus AED 0.05 per km, capped at AED 5 per journey.
Private car / parking
Estimated costParking price varies; check the ADNEC online booking portal
Best forAbu Dhabi road network to ADNEC Centre Car Park B
The official AI Everything 2026 venue listing identifies Car Park B for the event. ADNEC provides online parking booking using vehicle registration and a QR code and states its two on-site multi-storey car parks accommodate up to 6,000 vehicles.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa required
On-arrival available
ATA Carnet: accepted
Type
Who needs it
Fee
Processing
Visa-free Entry (90 days)
Citizens of 49 countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and EU member states
Not yet confirmed
Issued on arrival
Visa on Arrival (14 days)
Nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya, South Africa who hold a valid residence permit from the US, EU, UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada
$27.00
Issued on arrival
Visa on Arrival (60 days)
Nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya, South Africa who hold a valid residence permit from the US, EU, UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada
$68.00
Issued on arrival
Tourist Visa (30 days, single entry)
Nationals not eligible for visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival
$55.00
2‑5 working days (online via GDRFA or ICP)
GCC nationals (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman) do not require a visa. 90‑day visa‑free for 49 countries: Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Maldives, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Guyana, Romania, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay. 30‑day visa‑free: Andorra, Brunei, Hong Kong (China), Kazakhstan, Macau (China), Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Ireland, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vatican City.
ATA Carnets are accepted in the UAE but only for goods under category B1 – items for exhibitions and similar events. Accepted entry/exit points: Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port, Dubai Cargo Village, as well as Port Zayed and Abu Dhabi International Airport in Abu Dhabi. No duties or fees under normal circumstances; after‑hours customs service may incur a fee of approx. AED 100. The carnet must be validated by local customs before departure from the UAE; failure to present it for validation may result in a penalty of up to AED 5,000 (~USD 1,360).
October in Abu Dhabi is hot with average daytime highs of 35–37°C and nighttime lows of 26–27°C. Rainfall is minimal (0–3.6 mm). Humidity averages 51–54%. The event falls during the transitional period from extreme summer heat to more moderate conditions, with temperatures gradually decreasing through the month.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi is located on Khaleej Al Arabi Street, 15–20 minutes by car from Zayed International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi. Bus number 040 services the venue seven days a week. Taxis are available at the adjacent Aloft Hotel entrance; TransAD operates the taxi network (call 600 53 53 53 or use the app). The venue is 0.5 km from ADNEC Metro Station. Private transfers and meet-and-greet services are available via Tourism365 and Capital Experience.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Dress Modestly
Visitors are advised to cover shoulders and knees in public spaces, government buildings, and malls. Modest choices are appreciated; follow the lead of local residents if unsure. Swimwear is acceptable only at pools and beaches.
Public Displays of Affection
Kissing, hugging, and intimate touching in public are considered inappropriate. Holding hands is generally acceptable for married couples. Exercise discretion in all public settings.
Business Etiquette
Dress formally for business, be punctual, and exchange business cards with both hands. Discussions are conducted with quiet dignity and friendliness. Avoid pointing directly at anyone. Face-to-face meetings are preferred.
Weekend & Working Hours
The official weekend in Abu Dhabi is Friday and Saturday. Government offices and many businesses close early on Fridays for prayer. Plan meetings accordingly, avoiding scheduling on Fridays and Saturdays.
Photography
Seek permission before photographing individuals, especially women. Avoid taking photos of government buildings, military installations, and royal family members.
Greetings
Male-to-male and female-to-female greetings often include warm handshakes and embraces. Male visitors should not initiate handshakes with Emirati women; wait for her to extend her hand first.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: Zayed International Airport (AUH)
Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance for best fares during the October conference season. Etihad Airways offers the most extensive network from AUH; Wizz Air provides budget options. Consider flying into DXB or DWC if AUH is fully booked, then take a taxi or bus to Abu Dhabi (90 minutes from DXB, 60 from DWC).
All visitors except GCC nationals require either a visa, visa on arrival, or visa‑free entry depending on nationality. Citizens of certain countries are eligible for free visa on arrival if they hold a valid residence permit from specified countries. For nationalities not covered by visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival schemes, a tourist visa must be obtained in advance through UAE‑based airlines, hotels, or licensed travel agents.
Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed
Processing: Visa on arrival: immediate. Advance tourist visa: usually 2‑5 working days via GDRFA or ICP online; faster (within 48 hours) through airlines or travel agents.
Passport must be valid for at least six months from date of entry. Overstay fine: AED 50/day. New professional visa categories (e.g., AI experts) introduced in 2026. Tourist visas are not issued directly by UAE embassies; applications must go through authorised sponsors.
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: ADNEC states the venue is about 15 minutes from Zayed International Airport. A metered airport taxi is the simplest direct option; using the official tariff of AED 20 flagfall plus AED 1.82/km and the roughly 24 km road journey, budget approximately AED 60-75 depending on waiting time and traffic.
Hotel → venue: Downtown Atlanta and convention-center hotels are typically within walking distance or a short ride-hail/MARTA trip to the venue.
Ride-hail: Careem and Uber operate in Abu Dhabi. AI Everything Abu Dhabi 2026 publishes event-specific codes AIE2026C for Careem and AIE2026U for Uber, each giving 15% off two rides per user to/from ADNEC from 06:00 on 6 October to 21:00 on 7 October 2026.
Public transit: ADNEC is served by bus 040 seven days a week. Abu Dhabi Mobility's standard city/suburb fare is AED 2 plus AED 0.05 per km, with a maximum AED 5 fare per journey.
Parking: The official AI Everything 2026 ADNEC listing specifies Car Park B. ADNEC offers online parking booking for Car Parks A and B using the vehicle plate and emailed QR code. The venue states its two on-site multi-storey car parks provide up to 6,000 spaces.
Packing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime heat. Include a light jacket or sweater for heavily air-conditioned indoor spaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended for outdoor movement.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: 2026-10-06
Recommended for the broadest cross-section of business, capital and policy: the official 2026 programme places AI Summit New Intelligence, Intelligent Infrastructure & New Energy and AIVEST on 6 October, while LifeTech, workshops and certified training also run across both days. Choose 7 October instead if government transformation and enterprise AI deployment through AI Government Excellence Forum and AI 360 are your primary goals.
T-45
Choose the right pass for your goal — Planning guidance, not an organiser deadline. The 2026 FAQ lists Visitor Pass, Workshop Pass, All Access Conference, Certified Training and Premium options; choose based on whether you need expo-only access or summit/conference/networking access.
T-30
Book accommodation near ADNEC — Planning guidance. The organiser lists event accommodation and special Aloft rates for stays from 4-8 October 2026; booking early reduces event-week price and commute risk.
T-21
Build a target list of exhibitors, speakers and programme tracks — Planning guidance. Prioritise companies and themes aligned to government AI, enterprise AI, infrastructure/new energy, startups, investment, life sciences or hands-on training.
T-14
Request meetings and check eligibility for curated programmes — Planning guidance. Eligible senior AI leaders can review the CAIO Programme, while investors can apply for the Investor Programme; both are curated rather than guaranteed walk-in networking.
T-7
Save badge confirmation and prepare the event app — Planning guidance. The official FAQ says badges are collected/printed using the confirmation email and that the event mobile app will be available ahead of the event.
T-3
Split priorities by event day — Planning guidance. Day 1 focuses on AI Summit New Intelligence, Intelligent Infrastructure & New Energy and AIVEST; Day 2 features AI Government Excellence Forum and AI 360, while LifeTech, training and workshops span both days.
T-1
Confirm ADNEC transport and arrival plan — Planning guidance. Day 1 opens at 11:00 and Day 2 at 09:00. Car Park B is designated for the event; Careem and Uber event codes apply during 6-7 October 2026.
T-0
Run a meeting-first visit and capture follow-up actions — Planning guidance. Use pre-booked meetings and a short target list before browsing the wider expo; log owner, next step and deadline immediately after each high-value conversation.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
10:30-11:00
Suggested: arrive, collect/confirm badge and orient around Halls 1-5 before Day 1 opens.
ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
11:00-12:00
Suggested: rapid expo scan focused only on your top AI categories and preselected exhibitors.
AI Everything Expo, Halls 1-5
12:00-13:00
Suggested focus block: AI Summit New Intelligence for sovereign AI, agentic systems and AI-native economy themes.
AI Everything Abu Dhabi conference programme
13:00-14:00
Suggested: lunch plus scheduled meeting or eligible lounge networking rather than unstructured browsing.
ADNEC / ConneXions Lounge if your pass permits
14:00-15:00
Suggested focus block: AIVEST or investor/startup meetings if capital, partnerships or fundraising matter to your goal.
AI Everything Abu Dhabi
15:00-16:00
Suggested focus block: Intelligent Infrastructure & New Energy for compute, data centres, sovereign infrastructure and energy.
AI Everything Abu Dhabi / co-located infrastructure programme
16:00-17:30
Suggested: pre-booked exhibitor demos and buyer meetings; stop browsing unless a stand matches a defined target.
Expo Halls 1-5
17:30-18:00
Suggested: record next steps, send same-day messages and lock Day 2 meetings before the show closes.
ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
18:30 onwards
Optional recommendation: informal post-show conversation near the venue; this is not an official event-hosted networking function.
WXYZ Bar, Aloft Abu Dhabi
Side trips
4
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Culture and Architecture
Recommended post-event cultural stop for one of Abu Dhabi's defining landmarks; entry is free and official guided walk-in tours are available.
About 5 minutes by car from the ADNEC/Capital Gate area; allow about 2 hours for a visit.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Museum and Culture
Recommended for art, architecture and a quieter post-show reset; the official destination site highlights it as a major Abu Dhabi cultural attraction.
Saadiyat Island side trip; allow about 3 hours onsite plus taxi transfer.
Eastern Mangroves
Nature and Waterfront
Recommended for a low-intensity break from the exhibition environment, with mangrove waterways, promenade cafes and outdoor activities.
Short city taxi/ride-hail side trip; allow about 2 hours for a relaxed visit or activity.
Qasr Al Watan
Culture and Landmark
Recommended for visitors who want UAE governance, architecture and cultural context after a policy-heavy AI event.
City side trip after the event; travel time varies with traffic and the Palace in Motion light show lasts about 15 minutes.
Networking spots
4
ConneXions Lounge
Official Event Lounge
Official networking lounge included with the Premium Pass and listed as a CAIO Programme benefit; access depends on pass/programme eligibility.
Investors Lounge
Official Event Lounge
Official lounge access is listed as part of the Premium Pass; useful for investor-focused delegates with the correct access level.
Expo Halls 1-5
Expo Networking Zone
Best general-purpose meeting environment for visitors and exhibitors. Use scheduled stand meetings and the organiser's matchmaking pathways rather than relying only on walk-up traffic.
WXYZ Bar at Aloft Abu Dhabi
Unofficial Nearby Networking Recommendation
Not an event-hosted function. Aloft is directly connected to ADNEC and its WXYZ lobby bar is positioned for casual mixing and after-work drinks, making it a practical post-show meeting point.
Budget
Costs & budget
Official 2026 exhibitor pricing is not publicly disclosed on the event website. Interested exhibitors must complete an enquiry form to receive pricing details. A third-party exhibitor prep playbook cites an illustrative assumption of $60,000 total event investment (not official pricing).
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
Hotel × 3 nights$387.00
Per diem × 3$234.00
Estimated total$621.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_pass
visitor · standard
AED 150 / per pass
officialAs of 2026-09-08
workshop_pass
visitor · workshop
AED 350 / per pass
officialAs of 2026-09-08
all_access_conference_pass
visitor · all_access
AED 2000 / per pass
officialAs of 2026-09-08
premium_pass
visitor · premium
AED 7500 / per pass
officialAs of 2026-09-08
hotel_night
both · budget_near_adnec
USD 59–198 / per room per night
estimateAs of 2026-09-08
hotel_night
both · mid_range_near_adnec
USD 109–266 / per room per night
estimateAs of 2026-09-08
hotel_night
both · premium_near_adnec
USD 124–368 / per room per night
estimateAs of 2026-09-08
food_daily
both · typical_traveller
USD 33–78 / per person per day
estimateAs of 2026-09-08
public_bus
both · standard_service
AED 2–5 / per journey
officialAs of 2026-09-08
airport_taxi_to_adnec
both · metered_airport_taxi
AED 60–75 / per one-way trip estimate
estimateAs of 2026-09-08
exhibition_space
exhibitor · enterprise_or_startup
Not yet confirmed
unknownAs of 2026-09-08
Item
For
Tier
Estimated range
Status
As of
visitor_pass
visitor
standard
AED 150 / per pass
official
2026-09-08
workshop_pass
visitor
workshop
AED 350 / per pass
official
2026-09-08
all_access_conference_pass
visitor
all_access
AED 2000 / per pass
official
2026-09-08
premium_pass
visitor
premium
AED 7500 / per pass
official
2026-09-08
hotel_night
both
budget_near_adnec
USD 59–198 / per room per night
estimate
2026-09-08
hotel_night
both
mid_range_near_adnec
USD 109–266 / per room per night
estimate
2026-09-08
hotel_night
both
premium_near_adnec
USD 124–368 / per room per night
estimate
2026-09-08
food_daily
both
typical_traveller
USD 33–78 / per person per day
estimate
2026-09-08
public_bus
both
standard_service
AED 2–5 / per journey
official
2026-09-08
airport_taxi_to_adnec
both
metered_airport_taxi
AED 60–75 / per one-way trip estimate
estimate
2026-09-08
exhibition_space
exhibitor
enterprise_or_startup
Not yet confirmed
unknown
2026-09-08
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Answer eight event-specific questions on buyer fit, AI relevance, budget, readiness, timing, travel and follow-up. The highest score indicates the most practical 2026 path.
QUESTION 1 OF 8
How closely do your priority buyers match the event's core audience?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Choose Visit when you can name at least a few target companies, speakers, buyers or themes and want to validate demand, partnerships or market direction before paying for an exhibitor presence.
Best for
AI buyers, government and enterprise decision-makers, investors, founders, researchers and vendors who need market intelligence, targeted meetings or programme access before making a larger commitment.
Min. budget
$100.00
Timeline
Plan 2-4 weeks ahead for a focused visit; start earlier if international travel, hotel availability or curated programme applications are involved.
Risks
A two-day event still requires aggressive prioritisation across expo, conference and meetings.
Premium networking lounges and some programme access require higher-tier or eligible passes.
A broad walk-the-floor approach can produce low-value conversations without a target list.
exhibit
Choose Exhibit when your product is directly relevant to the event's AI categories, you can demonstrate it live, target named accounts and measure success through meetings, qualified leads, pipeline or strategic partnerships.
Best for
AI-native enterprises and startups with a demo-ready product, relevant enterprise/government/investor targets, a staffed booth plan and capacity to follow up quickly after the show.
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
Use a practical 6-12 week preparation window, but treat organiser E-Portal deadlines as authoritative once your space is allocated.
Risks
Public 2026 stand pricing and stand dimensions are not disclosed, so total investment cannot be reliably pre-budgeted from public sources.
Public freight, build-up, stand-safety and insurance instructions were not verified and may create late operational costs.
Badge scans and footfall do not guarantee qualified pipeline without pre-booked meetings, qualification and follow-up ownership.
skip
Choose Skip when travel or execution friction clearly outweighs the value, or when you cannot define specific meetings, intelligence goals, buyer fit or measurable follow-up outcomes.
Best for
Teams with weak AI/category fit, no active buying or selling cycle, insufficient travel budget, no booth readiness or no credible target list for this edition.
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
No event preparation required; reassess after the 2026 post-show results or when an active AI buying/selling cycle emerges.
Risks
You may miss competitor intelligence, government/enterprise AI signals and relationship-building opportunities.
Relevant buyers or partners may strengthen relationships with competitors who attend.
Waiting can reduce first-mover visibility if Abu Dhabi is strategically important to your AI market.
Book with
Partners
Emirates
Official airline partner
Official 2026 airline partner. The event publishes promotional code EVE6AI8 for travel into Dubai from 30 September to 12 October 2026, with return travel no later than 22 October 2026.
Official attendee ride offer uses code AIE2026C for 15% off two rides per user to or from ADNEC, valid from 06:00 on 6 October to 21:00 on 7 October 2026.
Official attendee ride offer uses code AIE2026U for 15% off two rides per user to or from ADNEC, valid from 06:00 on 6 October to 21:00 on 7 October 2026.
Official destination partner supporting Abu Dhabi business events; the event accommodation page also routes visitors to the bureau's hotel and destination resources.
Official AI Everything Abu Dhabi 2026 accommodation provider offering a curated selection of Abu Dhabi hotels, exclusive event rates and options across different budgets. The event also publishes dedicated special-rate booking links for Aloft Abu Dhabi and Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre.
