- 1. AI Leaders and Innovators From Around the World
- 2. Big Ideas and Practical Lessons
- 3. Strong Support From Government and Public Bodies
- 4. New Products and Startups in the Spotlight
- 5. Networking That Leads to Real Deals
- 6. Shaping a Safe AI Future That Can Grow
- 7. About the Global AI Show
- 8. About VAP Group
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Global AI Show Abu Dhabi 2025 has ended. It was held on December 8-9th, 2025, at the Space42 Arena in Abu Dhabi. It was organized by the VAP Group and powered by the Times of AI.
The show keeps lifting Abu Dhabi’s name as a center for new ideas and policy. It also helps more companies start using AI.
The 2-day exhibition welcomed 5,000+ attendees, 100+ speakers from all around the world. It also drew a strong group of policymakers, business leaders, tech experts, investors, researchers, and start-ups.
It sealed its place as a landmark event on the global AI calendar. It fits with the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031. It also fits Abu Dhabi’s goal of making the UAE the leader in the Intelligent World.
The Global AI Show set an example of how to build a space for teamwork, useful talks, and, in the end, action. It linked the newest tech with large, real-world uses across many sectors and government bodies.
“We were very excited at BigBear.ai to be the title sponsor of the Global AI Show. It is a tremendous opportunity to engage with companies innovating in AI, as well as governments & commercial organizations actively adopting AI into their operations.” Said Kevin McAleenan, Chief Executive Officer, BigBear.ai
AI Leaders and Innovators From Around the World
Attendees came from all over the world to the Global AI Show 2025: Abu Dhabi event. They came from government bodies and many types of business, including enterprise, startup, research, venture capital, and technology providers.
This wide mix of guests showed that AI is no longer just a tool for tests. It is now a major force driving the next digital economies and big changes in society.
“The way emerging developments across fintech, aviation, healthcare & other sectors were explained was impressive. The level of collaboration with government agencies in the UAE & globally made the event even more impactful. I truly enjoyed it.” said Techmetron, UK
People on both the Vision stage and the Impact stage took part in wide-ranging talks across the sectors above. Talks also covered:
- Finance (banking/credit)
- Healthcare
- The public sector (government)
- Cybersecurity
- Smart cities
- Green growth
- Supporting industries
Big Ideas and Practical Lessons
The agenda had keynote speeches, lively panels, casual talks, startup pitch contests, and sessions on specific industries. It joined views of the future with practical tips for putting new technology to work. It also gave real examples and chances to discuss how companies rolled out their products.
Speakers covered how industry rules affect Large Language Models (LLMs) and the generative AI tools now being built.
A number of primary themes were highlighted during the event, including:
- How government leaders can help AI and other new tech grow
- Building responsible AI, including ethics and rules
- Best ways for a company to roll out AI at scale
- How GenAI and LLMs may change work and how people and AI work together
- How AI affects health care, finance, cyber security and smart infrastructure
- How data helps AI grow in the Cloud
Notable Speakers
Notable speakers included:
- H.E. Eng. Amal Abdulrahim, Assistant Undersecretary for The Support Services Sector, Chief AI & Innovation Officer, UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
- H. E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security, United Arab Emirates Government
- Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, CEO – AI, Dubai Economy and Tourism
- H.E. Renat Bekturov, Governor, Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), Republic of Kazakhstan
- Mohammad Almansoori, Chief AI Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Andy Tang, Partner, Draper Associates, Founding partner, Draper Dragon
- H. E. Mubaraka Ibrahim, Chief AI Officer, Emirates Health Services
- Joseph Bradley, CEO, JMB X & Ex-CEO, TONOMUS (NEOM subsidiary)
- Sandeep Nailwal, Co-Founder & CEO, Polygon Foundation
- Kevin McAleenan, Chief Executive Officer, BigBear.ai
Strong Support From Government and Public Bodies
A key strength of the Global AI Show Abu Dhabi was how closely it worked with government, regulators, and public bodies. They all agreed that the world needs to build skills for safe innovation and good governance.
The event was supported by:
- Supporting Partner: National Program for Artificial Intelligence (UAE)
- Destination Partner: Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau
- Strategic Partner: UAE Cyber Security Council
These partners showed that the UAE is committed to a fair, trusted, and value-led path for AI. They also showed support for the UAE’s economic success.
New Products and Startups in the Spotlight
The exhibition space featured many new solutions, including:
- Platforms for enterprise AI
- Digital Health & Intelligent Medicine Solutions
- Robots and Automation Solutions
- Smart City/Infrastructure Solutions
- Financial Technology (Fintech) and AI in Financial Services and Banking
- Sustainable Innovation / Climate Innovation
- Web3 and Decentralised AI Tools
The startup pitch and AI Ventures parts of the Global AI Show featured new AI brands, such as Ravan AI and Atelic AI.
On the venture side, panels brought together some of the best minds working with investors, including Draper Associates, SteelSky Ventures, Shorooq, MFV Partners, Novo Capital, Atlas Ventures, and NYU Abu Dhabi.
Networking That Leads to Real Deals
True to its stated mission, the Global AI Show focused on busy networking that leads to real results. Thousands of meetings took place in open networking zones, VIP meetings, and ecosystem roundtables. These created chances for partnerships, pilot projects, investment talks, and work across borders.
“I spent a lot of time in Saudi Arabia & some time in Dubai, & it is encouraging to see the entire GCC coming together around Al. This being the third edition, the growth in participation & engagement is clearly visible.” Joseph Bradley, CEO, JMB X & Ex-CEO, TONOMUS (NEOM subsidiary)
So many senior decision-makers were present that the event became a very effective place to drive real business success, well beyond the show itself.
Shaping a Safe AI Future That Can Grow
It is worth noting that the Global AI Show Abu Dhabi 2025 sent a clear message: AI is already shaping tomorrow’s world. But success depends on responsible innovation, teamwork, and growing systems at scale.
As noted, the Global AI Show brought together policymakers, large companies, academic researchers, startups, and investors. They shared one common goal: to define and build the AI of the future. For more events like this, see our guide to the top blockchain and crypto conferences of 2026 and 2027.
After the Global AI Show Abu Dhabi 2025, momentum keeps building toward the next step: the Global AI Show Riyadh on 29-30 June 2026. It ties in with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s investment in AI, and the largest digital transformation project in history. Our report on the Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 covers that edition.
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About the Global AI Show
The Global AI Show serves as a premier international platform convening government leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and innovators to advance global collaboration in artificial intelligence.
Powered by VAP Group, the event backs the UAE’s place as a leading global hub for new tech, digital change, and forward-looking governance.
About VAP Group
VAP Group is a leading AI, blockchain, and gaming consulting powerhouse. For 12+ years, it has delivered advanced AI & Web3 solutions. Its flagship global events include the Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show.
It has a strong presence in the UAE, UK, India, and Hong Kong. Its 170+ experts help clients stay ahead through PR, marketing, bounty campaigns, and top global conferences. It also offers advertising, media, and staffing services.
Media inquiries:
Global AI Show Media team
Media@globalaishow.com
This is a press release / sponsored content. Read our Sponsored Content Policy. This article is not intended as financial advice. Educational purposes only.
