The Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 will take place on June 29–30, bringing together policymakers, innovators, and enterprise leaders from across the world. Organised by VAP Group and powered by Times of AI, the event will host over 100 speakers from more than 80 countries.
Notably, the gathering aims to move beyond theory. It will focus on practical AI deployment across infrastructure, enterprise ecosystems, and public services. As a result, Riyadh continues to strengthen its position as a key hub for global AI dialogue and implementation.
Sovereign AI and National Infrastructure Take Centre Stage
A key theme this year is “Sovereign AI.” This concept focuses on building national AI ecosystems that align with local priorities.
For instance, discussions will cover:
- Localised data infrastructure
- Regulatory frameworks
- National AI capability building
Moreover, governments are increasingly prioritising control over data, compute, and AI systems. Therefore, this theme is expected to drive high-level policy conversations and cross-border collaborations.
Agentic AI, Infrastructure, and Enterprise Systems
At the core of this year’s event is a strong emphasis on Agentic AI, AI infrastructure, and enterprise-grade applications. The discussions will explore how autonomous AI agents, integrated systems, and scalable architectures are transforming business operations across industries.
In addition, advancements in cloud computing, data platforms, and next-generation infrastructure will take centre stage. These technologies are critical because they enable real-time decision-making, automation, and deployment of AI at scale across B2B environments.
Rather than focusing primarily on generative AI, the event will highlight how organisations are operationalising AI through robust infrastructure, intelligent systems, and integrated enterprise solutions.
Industry Use Cases: From Healthcare to Energy Optimisation
The event will also emphasise how AI is being deployed across key sectors such as healthcare, financial services, and energy. Organisations are leveraging AI for predictive maintenance, optimising energy grids, and improving operational efficiency.
In healthcare, AI-driven tools are enhancing diagnostics and patient care. Meanwhile, financial institutions are using advanced algorithms to manage risk and improve decision-making. Therefore, the discussions will highlight not just potential but measurable impact, reinforcing AI’s role as a core business driver.
Human Capital and the Future of Work
Equally important is the focus on human capital and workforce transformation. As AI adoption accelerates, organisations must rethink how they train and deploy talent.
The event will explore how AI supports recruitment, enables continuous learning, and fosters collaboration between humans and intelligent systems. This perspective is crucial because technological advancement without workforce alignment can limit long-term impact. Hence, the dialogue will balance innovation with inclusivity and adaptability.
Speaker Line-up: Policy, Enterprise, and Innovation Leaders
The event features a diverse lineup of global experts, including:
- Amal Dokhan
- Sultan Moraished
- Hajar Elhaddaoui
- Ibraheem Sheerah
- Nsaaim Alotaibi
These speakers will share insights on AI governance, enterprise deployment, and ethical innovation. Furthermore, they will address the operational challenges of scaling AI across organisations.
Scale and Strategic Importance
The Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 is expected to attract more than 10,000 attendees, alongside over 100 exhibitors and 200 global media partners. This scale underlines its importance as a platform for advancing AI infrastructure, enterprise adoption, and cross-sector collaboration.
