Tech titans, policymakers to gather in Riyadh for landmark AI summit

RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s capital is set to become a global focal point for artificial intelligence when the Global AI Show (GAIS) opens in Riyadh on June 29, bringing together world leaders, innovators and industry pioneers to explore the transformative power of modern AI.

Organised by VAP Group and powered by Times of AI, the two-day event will showcase the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, machine learning and automation. It aims to provide a high-level platform for companies, policymakers and thought leaders to exchange ideas, foster partnerships and help steer the direction of the rapidly evolving AI sector.

The summit builds on a track record of high-profile participation from global leaders across technology, governance, healthcare and cybersecurity.

Previous editions have featured figures such as Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation for the Government of Alberta, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, head of BAPS Hindu Mandir UAE, Professor Shafi Ahmed, the surgeon, futurist and chief executive of Medical Realities, and John Nosta, founder of NOSTALAB and a leading theorist on innovation in AI and medicine.

Also among past speakers have been Janet Adams, Chief Operating Officer and Board Director at SingularityNET/ASI, and Jeanie Fang, Director of Data and AI at Crunchbase, each contributing expertise at the intersection of artificial intelligence, data and digital transformation.

Participants at GAIS 2026 can expect keynote addresses from AI pioneers, panel discussions examining the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence and hands-on workshops focused on practical, cross-industry applications. From finance and healthcare to education and logistics, AI is reshaping how organisations operate, allocate resources and make decisions. The event will highlight real-world case studies and success stories that demonstrate the tangible impact of AI on productivity, innovation and service delivery.

Central to the agenda will be discussions on responsible AI adoption. Experts are set to examine how governments and societies can mitigate risks, establish effective regulatory frameworks and maximise the benefits of emerging technologies, ensuring that innovation is aligned with ethical and social considerations.

The 2026 edition in Riyadh will open with an in-depth exploration of Saudi Arabia’s AI revolution, charting the kingdom’s journey from strategic vision to measurable real-world outcomes. Sessions will explore the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent machines, the rise of artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the technological frameworks underpinning this new era of smart collaboration.

Healthcare will form a major pillar of the programme, with discussions on how machine intelligence is transforming diagnostics, therapeutics and patient care. From predictive medicine and AI-driven drug discovery to AI-assisted surgeries, speakers will outline how data, algorithms and advanced computing are redefining medical practice and reshaping the future of global health.

Riyadh’s emergence as a technology and innovation hub is reflected in both the scale and ambition of the Global AI Show. Positioned at the crossroads of investment, policy and research, the city is increasingly seen as a regional epicentre for digital transformation.

Organisers say attendees will leave with fresh insights, strengthened partnerships and a deeper understanding of how artificial intelligence is set to shape industries, economies and societies in the years ahead.

As governments and corporations worldwide accelerate their AI strategies, GAIS 2026 is poised to place Riyadh firmly on the global map as a convening ground for the ideas, technologies and collaborations that will define the next chapter of the AI revolution.