Global AI Show Riyadh Reveals a Powerhouse Speaker Lineup Shaping the Future of Artificial Intelligence in the Middle East

How the Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 Is Shaping the Future of Sovereign AI and Digital Transformation

By Published: April 23, 2026 1:30 AM EDT Updated: April 23, 2026 1:36 AM EDT 39360
Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 featuring top AI leaders and innovators from over 80 countries

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia- The Global AI Show Riyadh 2026, taking place June 29-30, has unveiled its first lineup of thought leaders, policymakers, innovators, and global AI experts set to drive the direction of artificial intelligence and put it on the edge of innovation until 2026.

Organized by VAP Group and powered by Times of AI, this event will feature more than 100 unique speakers from 80+ countries with backgrounds in government digital transformation, AI strategy, and startups dedicated to developing cutting-edge technology.

This exhibition in Riyadh's major areas of innovation includes how to practically implement artificial intelligence on a large scale across infrastructure, industries, and society at large. One of the main agenda items will be the development of 'Sovereign AI' along with the development of national AI infrastructure, which encompasses the establishment of localized data ecosystems, regulatory frameworks, and building AI capabilities that align with the respective national priorities for the countries involved. Another one of the main themes will center around generative AI and its impacts on the way we create content, how we engage in software development, and providing digital services; this includes large language models and autonomous or digital agents as examples. Cloud 3.0 and next-generation data centers will be another area of focus, providing localized, scalable, and sustainable computing systems that enable real-time AI applications. The event will discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied in various areas, including those involving health care, financial services, and pharmaceuticals, as well as examples that demonstrate AI's uses in predictive maintenance, optimizing grids, and energy management systems within the energy sector. The final overall focus of the event will be on human factors and AI-driven transformation; this includes training and developing talent using AI, how we can use AI in recruitment, and what collaboration between humans and AI will look like in the future. Together, these innovation themes of the Global AI Show demonstrate a holistic view of AI by integrating new technology innovation, the application of AI by industry, and the creation and development of national development strategies.

global ai show riyadh

The speaker roster includes

  • Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner, 500 Global MENA
  • Sultan Moraished,  CTO, Red Sea Global
  • Hajar Elhaddaoui, Director general, Digital Cooperation Organization
  • Dr. Ibraheem Sheerah,  Chief Transformation Officer, Saudi Arabian Airlines Holding
  • Eng. Nsaaim Alotaibi, Director, Artificial Intelligence Department, SEHA Virtual Hospital Ministry of Health – Saudi Arabia

The voices coming forward from this gathering will provide an overview of strategic insights across AI governance, enterprise deployment, implementation, and operations; advanced machine learning applications; and insights identifying the infinite number of ethical dimensions required to implement responsible innovation through strategic alignment within these organizations.

The exhibition is expected to attract 10,000+ attendees, 100+ exhibitors & sponsors, and 200+ global media partners to the Kingdom, establishing itself as an integral piece of facilitating the use of artificial intelligence throughout all sectors, public and private.

The Global AI Show Riyadh continues to be the key platform for the most influential visionaries and decision-makers participating in artificial intelligence technology to gather, collaborate, and create the new technologies, regulations, and policies needed to facilitate the continued advancement and influence on a global scale to address the needs and challenges of tomorrow.

Event Details:

Date: 29-30 June

Venue: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Register: Grab Your Tickets Now

About VAP Group:

VAP Group is a global consulting and media group focused on AI, blockchain, and gaming, with over 13 years of experience driving technology-led growth through strategic PR, marketing, and content platforms.

Through its media ecosystem and flagship events, including the Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show, VAP Group connects policymakers, enterprises, and innovators worldwide, enabling strategic communications, ecosystem-building, and talent solutions.

Media enquiries: media@globalaishow.com

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