Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are sending high-level delegations to the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi (February 16-20), signaling a strong commitment to leadership in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape. The UAE is represented by Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, acting on behalf of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, while Saudi Arabia’s delegation is led by Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).
Strategic Alignment and Global Influence
This participation isn’t merely symbolic. Both nations are actively positioning themselves at the forefront of AI development and governance. The summit, themed “People, Planet, and Progress,” has drawn over 35,000 attendees from more than 100 countries, including anticipated participation from 15-20 heads of government and leading tech executives.
Key speakers include industry giants: Brad Smith (Microsoft), Sundar Pichai (Google/Alphabet), Jeetu Patel (Cisco), Cristiano Amon (Qualcomm), and Sam Altman (OpenAI). Their presence underscores the summit’s significance as a major platform for shaping the future of AI.
Economic and Political Implications
The Gulf states’ attendance reflects a broader strategy to leverage AI not just for technological advancement, but also to strengthen existing economic ties with India. India is a major trading partner for both Saudi Arabia (fifth largest) and the UAE (third largest). AI collaboration builds on this foundation, with the UAE already establishing partnerships with India in AI infrastructure, digital government, and model development.
“The participation of Saudi Arabia and the UAE reinforces their commitment to lead in the AI era, shaping global frameworks while solidifying economic partnerships with India.”
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and UAE’s Sustainable Development Goals
Saudi Arabia’s delegation will showcase Vision 2030 initiatives that integrate AI for humanitarian and economic benefits. This aligns with the Kingdom’s goal of strengthening strategic ties with India and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals through responsible AI innovation. The UAE aims to bolster international cooperation in advanced technologies, driving sustainable development and accelerating AI adoption across key sectors.
Expanding Global AI Discussions
The India AI Impact Summit builds on previous global discussions, from risk assessments at Bletchley Park to ethical considerations in Seoul, and operational frameworks in Paris. India’s role is growing, hosting this pivotal event to shape future strategic priorities. The summit features 500+ sessions, a startup showcase with 500+ AI companies, and over 300 leading global exhibitors, all focused on AI’s developmental impact, social empowerment, safety, and inclusive access.
Pre-Summit Engagement
Before the main event, over 1,300 proposals led to 500+ pre-summit events engaging 300,000+ participants. This demonstrates broad interest in AI’s transformative potential.
The India AI Impact Summit represents a critical moment for global AI governance. The Gulf states’ prominent participation signals their intent to influence this direction, balancing innovation with responsible development.
