Forum Program and Discussion Themes
The Future Is Already Here: What MENA Must Do Next.
The AI MENA Forum will feature a series of keynote presentations and panel discussions examining the opportunities, challenges, and implications of Artificial Intelligence across the Middle East and North Africa.
The program is designed to bring together diverse perspectives from government, business, academia, technology, infrastructure, and civil society to explore how AI is reshaping economies, jobs, education, governance, infrastructure, and society.
The sessions outlined below represent the principal themes and discussions planned for the Forum. Additional details, including speakers and moderators will be announced as they are confirmed.
20 October, 2026
9:00 - 10:00
Morning Coffee, Networking
- Arrive, collect your event credentials, and connect with fellow delegates before the program begins. Enjoy refreshments and take advantage of the opportunity to start building valuable new relationships.
10:00 - 11:00
Opening Ceremony
- Opening remarks: Overview of the Forum's objectives and expected outcomes
- Opening Keynote: The Future Is Already Here: What MENA Must Do Next
11:00 - 12:00
Plenary Session 1
The AI Economy: Winners, Losers, and New Opportunities
- How AI is transforming economic growth
- Productivity and competitiveness
- Industry disruption
- Entrepreneurship and innovation
- AI-driven investment opportunities
- Which sectors are likely to benefit most
- How MENA countries can position themselves in the emerging AI economy
12:00 - 13:00
Plenary Session 2
AI and the Future of Work
- Which jobs are most vulnerable to automation
- Which jobs are likely to evolve
- What new professions are emerging
- Workforce reskilling and upskilling
- Talent shortages
- Future labor market requirements
- Preparing future generations for an AI-enabled workplace
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch Break
- Enjoy lunch while continuing conversations with fellow delegates, speakers, sponsors, and partners. This dedicated networking opportunity provides time to exchange ideas, build relationships, and explore potential collaborations.
14:00 - 15:00
Plenary Session 3
The Truth Challenge: AI, Misinformation, and Public Trust
- Deepfakes and synthetic media
- AI-generated misinformation
- Risks to public trust
- Election integrity
- Corporate reputation risks
- Social cohesion and stability
- Media verification and content authenticity
15:00 - 16:00
Plenary Session 4
Privacy, Governance, and Responsible AI
- Data privacy and protection
- AI governance and regulation
- Ethical AI adoption
- Accountability frameworks
- Public sector responsibilities
- Cross-border data governance
- International lessons learned
16:00 - 18:00
Networking Reception
- Join speakers, delegates, sponsors, and invited guests for an evening of networking and informal discussion. Designed to foster meaningful connections, the reception provides an ideal setting to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and continue conversations beyond the conference stage.
21 October, 2026
9:00 - 10:00
Morning Coffee, Networking
- Arrive and connect with fellow delegates before the program begins. Enjoy refreshments and take advantage of the opportunity to start building valuable new relationships.
10:00 - 10:30
Morning Keynote
- Learning from the World: Lessons from the First Wave of AI Adoption
10:30 - 11:30
Plenary Session 5
The AI Infrastructure Race: Data Centers, Cloud Computing, and National Competitiveness
- Why countries are competing for AI infrastructure
- Economic impact of data center investment
- Job creation potential
- Cloud computing and competitiveness
- Digital sovereignty
- Infrastructure readiness
- Public-private partnerships
- Regional opportunities for MENA
11:30 - 12:30
Plenary Session 6
Powering the Age of AI: Energy, Water, and Sustainability
- Energy requirements of AI infrastructure
- Electricity grid readiness
- Renewable energy opportunities
- Water consumption challenges
- Environmental sustainability
- Responsible infrastructure development
- Long-term resource planning
12:30 - 13:30
Lunch Break
- Take a break and enjoy lunch while connecting with fellow delegates, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and partners. This informal networking session offers an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
13:30 - 14:30
Plenary Session 7
AI, Sovereignty, and the New Geopolitics
- AI and global power competition
- Dependence on foreign AI platforms
- Digital sovereignty
- Cybersecurity
- Cross-border data governance
- National AI strategies
- Regional cooperation opportunities
- The future role of MENA in the global AI ecosystem
14:30 - 15:30
Plenary Session 8
AI and Society: Inclusion, Opportunity, and Human Potential
- Equality and accessibility
- Bridging the digital divide
- Protecting vulnerable populations
- AI and quality of life
- Inclusion and participation
- Ensuring broad access to AI-driven opportunities
15:30 - 16:00
Ministerial Roundtable
Building AI-Ready Nations
- National priorities
- Infrastructure investment
- Workforce readiness
- Regulatory coordination
- Regional cooperation opportunities
16:00 - 16:30
Closing Plenary
A Roadmap for Responsible AI Adoption in MENA
- A high-level discussion summarizing key findings and recommendations emerging from the Forum.
16:30 - 18:00
Closing Reception: Continuing the Conversation
- Conclude the Forum by connecting with fellow delegates, speakers, policymakers, business leaders, and partners in a relaxed setting. The Closing Reception provides an opportunity to reflect on key insights, strengthen relationships, explore future collaborations, and continue the conversations that will help shape the region’s AI future.
